Dennis P. Harrington
January 7, 1942 ~ December 11, 2022
Dennis P. Harrington, 80, of Indianapolis, passed away in the early morning hours of December 11, 2022, at Greenwood Health & Living after a courageous battle with his health. Dennis was born on January 7, 1942, in Blencoe, Iowa, to the late John Cletus and Margaret Mary (Ryan) Harrington. Dennis was a graduate of Lawton High School in Lawton, Iowa. Upon his graduation, he went on to graduate from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Dennis received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
A dedicated patriot to his country, Dennis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 where he earned the rank of Staff Sargent. Dennis’ dedication to his country did not end after his service in the Marine Corps. Dennis went on to serve in the United States Air Force National Guard where he earned the honorable rank of Colonel. Dennis retired from military service in 1999 after 34 years of dedicated years to his country. Dennis was a proud lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
An avid sports fan, Dennis loved to watch and coach sports. Dennis loved music but specifically listening to Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, John Denver, and Anne Murray. If he was watching a movie, it was either John Wayne or anything patriotic. Dennis was a devoted Irish Catholic. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Msgr. M. Downey Council #3660 for 37 years. Dennis did not know a stranger, had a story for everything and had a zest for living life on his own terms. A true Irishman, Dennis will be remembered as a loyal and persistent man who was without a doubt dedicated to his country.
Along with his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by an infant son, Dennis Harrington; his brothers, Vincent, Gerald (Anne), Michael (Carol), and Paul Harrington; an infant brother, John Harrington; and Brother-in-law, Gus Rysavy.
Survivors include his children, Kathleen M. (Carlos) Zendejas, Patricia J. Sinovic, Eileen A. Harrington, John R. (Stephanie) Harrington, James M. (Lyndsy) Harrington, Colleen R. Harrington, and Kevin P. (Angela) Harrington; his previous spouse and the mother of his children, Mary Jane (Harrington) Harrington; his grandchildren, Michael, Corey, Ava, Caitlin (Dustin), Molly, Sean, Megan, Max, Bella, Jack, Will, Luke, Kate, Nolan, Liam, Finn, Marenn, Maeve, Holly, Ruth, and Cora; one great-grandchild, Sophia; his siblings, Raymond (Pat) Harrington, Joan Rysavy, Larry (Linda) Harrington, and James (Cathy) Harrington; sister-in-law, Nancy Harrington; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and comrades.
Dennis’ Life Celebration® visitation will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the narthex at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 8300 Rahke Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46217. Prior to the visitation, the recitation of the rosary will begin at 9:30 AM in the narthex on Monday. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 19, 2022, in the church. Following the Mass, Dennis will be laid to rest in the National Cemetery Administration, Crown Hill Columbarium Annex beside his comrades. Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to leave an online condolence for the Harrington family.
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I used to run around his house as a kid & he treated me like his own. He Fed me, coached me, gave rides to & from, pushed me to be better & was the first person to teach me God, Family, Country. Love you!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Johnny and Crystal Groves.
Deepest sympathy to the Harrington clan. So many memories of your family at St. Barnabas. Denny loved sports and could talk forever about any sport! He was famous for his speeches at our sports banquets. Love and prayers, the Dale Family
My sincere condolences to one of my very favorite families! May God shower you with peace and comfort!
May God bless your family during this time of great loss. Our hearts are with you. ߙϰߏܰߒ•
We’ll miss the stories and long conversations. Denny was a great 'little' brother.
Larry and Linda
We are thinking and praying for you during this difficult time.
Please accept my prayers and condolences to the Harrington Family. Thank you Dennis for the stories you shared with us at The Knights of Columbus.
John Madden
Council 3660
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Jim. Your Lenex family.
Dear Mary Jane and Harrington cousins, we send our love and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless you and give you peace ✝️ Love The Foerman Family ߙϢݤ️
Denny was my friend. He was also my boss while I was in the Indiana Air National Guard. He encouraged me to attend Air War College (via correspondence) that led to my promotion.
As a conversationalist, he was always two stories ahead of the one he just told you. It was exhausting! But it was also 'just Denny.' He loved sports: especially St. Barnabas, Roncalli Rebels (NOT Royals), and Notre Dame (because they were 'the Irish'). He seemed to have 100 relatives that figures prominently in history. But the Denny I knew would walk through fire for his kids and his close friends. They were his life. Denny would be the first to admit he might have made a few wrong choices along the path of life, but his outpouring of love and encouragement was endless! I salute you, Sir! Thank you for your service, and thank you for your friendship, Colonel.
Wally Brant, LtCol (R )
Sorry for your loss. May GOD BLESS and comfort you and may HE remove the sorrow from your hearts.
May Denny’s soul and the all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of GOD rest in peace.
Those we love don’t go away
They walk beside us everyday
Unseen unheard but always near
Still loved still missed and very dear.
Denny you were a good friend and I’ll miss you.
A slow hand salute to you my AIRBORNE Friend
Don
Dennis was my friend since i met him at sports tryouts at st. barnabas when my boys were young.
dennis was old school and eager to converse. He was Catholic to the core.
Sometimes, you had to wonder if he really meant what he said or was just trying to get a reaction.
I knew without any doubt that I had a friend for life when i met dennis in 1992. Dennis often stopped by my office early in the morning just to shoot the breeze. dennis had it tough the last few years as his health declined .
He’s a marine that you would want with you in battle.
semper fi
Rest in peace my friend.
Praying for the repose of your soul. GOD bless you and your family. Erin Go Bragh!
Uncle Denny would tell me stories and say things that would make me look at my dad to get a sense if they were true or not. Sorry for the loss.
May Denny rest in the peace of Christ. Condolences to all the family. Love to all of you—
Kathleen, Tric, Eileen, John, Jim, Colleen, Kevin and Mary Jane
We are so sorry we just learned of the passing of Dennis. He was a great neighbor for many years! We shared many talks about Roncalli and our kids. He was so proud of you! We will continue to pray for your family and know Dennis blessed our lives.
Dear Dennis,
We are so very sorry about everything that has happened to you. I have been just sick at heart since hearing. I feel like we let you down. Please forgive us. We have known you for years and have had the privilege of calling you friend.
I just cannot understand why your wishes were ignored and disrespected??!
You made it clear you wanted a requiem mass at Our Lady of Good Remedy with Fr. Bitzer….And ANYONE who knows you also knows you would never wanted to be cremated! EVER.
We’re all so upset that anyone would disrespect you in this way.
We were able to have a real priest offer a requiem mass for you and many of us have had masses offered for your soul. May you rest in peace Dennis and know that you have many Catholic friends.