“His Story”

On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Thomas Joseph Harrington (T.J.) passed after a long illness.  Thomas was born on January 4, 1947, in Apex, North Carolina (NC), the second of five children born to the late James Sylvester Harrington and Florence Hunter-Harrington. He was 79 years old.

T.J. was raised in Apex, NC, where he attended Apex Consolidated High School and graduated in June 1965. Later that same year, he attended the National School of Heavy Equipment, graduating in November 1965. He later attended Croft Business College, where he studied Automation Accounting. Continuing his pursuit of higher education, T.J. enrolled at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) in Durham, NC, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in December 1974.

From an early age, T.J. embraced his faith. He was baptized at White Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Apex, NC, where he sang in the Men’s Chorus and participated in Sunday School. In 1994, he joined The House of the Lord in Akron, Ohio, where he served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, Steward of the Wisdom Sunday School Class, and as a volunteer for Children’s Church, Logo Bible School, and the Senior Ministry.

T.J. began his professional career with Central Carolina Bank, followed by positions with North Carolina Mutual Insurance Company and Colorcraft Corporation. After graduating from NCCU, he was recruited by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, in January 1975, becoming the first graduate of NCCU employed by the company. He also worked for Rubber City Capital, a Goodyear-affiliated company, spending nearly a decade there, before returning to Goodyear where he continued his career until 1994.

On August 12, 1972, Thomas married Joyce Kathryn Nicholson. Together they built a loving family and raised four children: Tony Orlando Nicholson (Jacqueline Woolridge-Nicholson, deceased) of Akron, Ohio; Julius Emil Harrington, Sr. (formerly married to Annette -Harrington) of Lorain, Ohio; Jennifer Renee Harrington of Oakland, California; and Christopher Michael Harrington of Akron, Ohio.

T.J. was a proud grandfather to Joshua F. Woolridge, Sr.; Zhontae D. Woolridge, Sr. (deceased); Annisa (Collin) Manning; Amere Alexis Harrington; Julius Emil Harrington, Jr.; and Lauren Wesley Singleton (Dajour) Whitmore. He was also a loving great-grandfather to Corday Woolridge, Zacari Shannon, Zhontae De’Sean Woolridge, Jr., Joshua F. Woolridge, Jr., Alexis Towner, Jasiah Harrington, Carmelo Manning, Avelliana Harrington, and Ama’Nyka Nevaeh Renee Whitmore.

In addition to his family, T.J. cherished his goddaughter, Tamara James, and his god-grandchildren: De’Andre Terry, Elijah James, Ahmara Scales, and Ahmad Scales.

T.J. was a dedicated leader in both his professional and community activities. He was a member of the Akron Summit Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, formerly known as the National Association of Accountants, where he became the first minority to serve as Local and State President, as well as a National Vice President. He received numerous awards recognizing his service and leadership.

He also served on the Board of Directors for the Magical Theatre Company in Barberton, Ohio, and was active in the Buchtel High School Football Booster Organization, serving as its president for several years. T.J. was passionate about supporting his children and other students in their schools, sports, and community activities.

T.J. had a lifelong passion for genealogy, family history, enjoyed researching and preserving his family’s legacy. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Wingfoot Flying Club and received his private pilot license.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother and stepmother Alice Harrington. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 53 years Joyce, his children and his siblings: brothers James Sylvester (Violet) Harrington, Jr. of Durham, NC, and William Otis (Barbara) Harrington of Woodbridge, Virginia; sisters Betty Beatrice (Jesse) Covington and Marie Louise (Ben) Bennetone, both of Durham, NC.

He was also loved by his brothers-in-law: Enoch E. Nicholson (deceased) of Louisburg, NC; John G. (Gwendolyn) Nicholson of Louisburg, NC; Joseph R. (Alice) Nicholson (both deceased); and Phillip T. (Regina, deceased) Nicholson of Greensboro, NC.

He was also lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. T.J. valued his lifelong friendships with Denise Davis, Wayne Hawkins, Bill Wade, Cedric Tucker, John Kostko, Paul Hein, Larry Sylver, Hue Beach, Henry Lee and many more.

Thomas Joseph Harrington’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith, devotion to family, and commitment to community. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family who will forever cherish his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests and appreciates donations made in honor of Thomas J. Harrington to:

The Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis

 3838 Massillon Road, Suite 360,  Uniontown, Ohio 44685-7965 (330) 896-9625