Patrick Harrington

Patrick Steven Harrington lived 78 years striving to embody the fruits of the Holy Spirit—Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control—each and every day.

Born August 13, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, Pat was the fifth of nine children of Leo and Marie (Harlan) Harrington. He grew up in Highland Park, attended All Saints School, Dowling High, and graduated from North High. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Forster in the South Pacific during Vietnam. Pat never met a stranger and formed lifelong friendships, including with Mike Johnson, Dan Horkey, Butch Collum, and Conrad Nelson. His military service came with sacrifices, and later in life, he faced health challenges from Agent Orange exposure. The VA in Des Moines and IVH in Marshalltown provided him with outstanding care, and he never failed to greet fellow veterans as “Brother.”

Pat married the love of his life, Marilyn Romick, on December 18, 1970, at All Saints Catholic Church. Together they raised three children—Deborah, Craig, and Gerald. Their 54-year marriage had its struggles, but through it all, they remained steadfast in faith and love, teaching their children what it meant to serve others and trust in God.

After returning to Iowa, Pat worked as a loan officer before spending over a decade at Firestone. When layoffs hit in the early 1980s, he pivoted to selling cars, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Dan. A lifelong car enthusiast, he loved everything about the industry—especially the thrill of a new car. Ask Marilyn how many they owned over the years, and she’ll lose count after 60! Never afraid to try something new, Pat became an over-the-road truck driver in 1992, eventually opening AA Transco, a trucking brokerage business he ran until retirement. Even in his final years, he’d ask caregivers what they drove, living vicariously through their choices.

Pat had a huge heart and gave selflessly, even when times were tough. He didn’t give from excess—he gave sacrificially. He hired homeless men for odd jobs, and he and Marilyn sacrificed to ensure their children had a Catholic education. Many weekends, Marilyn would make a huge pot of chili and together they would set up a card table across from Bethel Mission and serve meals to the homeless. Even in his suffering, he “offered it up,” believing God could use his pain for good. The VA helped him stay home as long as possible, and much of his medical equipment will now go to others in need—his generosity continuing even after his passing.

Service was a cornerstone of Pat’s life. He was an altar server as a child, a Eucharistic Minister as an adult, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a devoted volunteer for the Residents Encounter Christ (REC) program at Mitchellville Women’s Prison, where he was known as a “gentle giant.” He provided a powerful example of kindness and faithfulness, offering women a new perspective on what goodness looked like in a man.

Laughter was essential to Pat, especially with his brothers, Jerry, Dan, Bill, Jim, and John. Their antics were legendary, and somewhere in heaven, they’re likely competing to see who can make the best joke. A fan of Peter Sellers, Monty Python, Mel Brooks, and classic SNL, he loved quoting favorite lines—Marilyn probably heard, “I have a massage for you,” a million times.
Pat had a lifelong thirst for knowledge, passing his curiosity down to his kids. If he’d had the internet earlier in life, he’d have been unstoppable! He dove deep into hobbies—stargazing, guitars, wine-making, model cars, and more. His love for trivia was unmatched; when traveling home from his sister Julia’s funeral, he, Craig, Deb, and Marilyn played trivia for nine hours. Of course, Pat won.

As a grandfather and great-grandfather, Pat cherished his nine grandkids, forming unique bonds with each. Whether sharing a love of piano, baseball, cars, or silly YouTube videos, he made sure they knew they were loved. Though he didn’t have enough time with his great-grandchildren, his older grandkids will keep his memory alive for them.
Pat wasn’t perfect—Patience and Self-Control were his lifelong struggles—but he never stopped trying. He was our hero, our example of faith, love, and generosity. Though our hearts ache with his passing, we know he’s laughing with his siblings in heaven. If he could leave us with one challenge, it would be this: when life gets hard, offer up your struggles to God and trust that He can turn them into something good.

Think of Pat when you pass Firestone or Saylorville Lake. Remember him when you get a new car or try a new food. Say hello to Jesus and Pat when you pass a Catholic church. And never forget the love he shared with all of us.

Patrick is survived by his saint of a wife, Marilyn, his three children, Deb (Wade) Derry, Craig Harrington, Jerry (Morgan) Harrington; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Deb's children, Lucas Derry, Micaela (Joe) Seda, parents of Jonah, Zelie and Lainey Seda, Thomas (Elzerie) Derry, parents of Micah Derry. Craig's children Isaac, Sam, and Georgia Harrington, and Jerry's children, Parker, Davis and Cole Harrington. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Harrington and Terri (Joe) St. Peter, sisters in law Sheila Fagen, Sue Harrington, Marsha Harrington and Dixie Harrington along with many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Family will greet guests from 5:00 -7:00 p.m., on Monday, March 17, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the church. Pat will be laid to rest at Beaver Catholic Cemetery in Granger, Iowa

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to be used to help veterans at a later time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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