On Monday, December 16, 2024, Joe Harrington, age 69, passed away at his home in Del Rio, Texas after a protracted illness. Joe was born on December 15, 1955 in Del Rio, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack L. Harrington, his mother Mary Harrington, his two sisters, Mary Louise Grantham and Sue Edgehouse, and his brother, Jack L. Harrington, Jr. He is survived by the love of his life, Marta Rodriguez of Del Rio, her son, Aaron D. Rodriguez and his wife, Victoria Rodriguez, plus their children, Aaron Jacob, Ezra Joaquin and Catalina Victoria, all of Del Rio, and his stepson, James Howley of Del Rio, Other survivors are his sister, Jane Steffey of Tallahassee, FL. and his sister-in-law, Missy Harrington of Comstock, TX.

Joe and his brother, Jack, shared a close bond and worked together to improve their families' lives, share their spirits with their communities and accomplish the goals they set for themselves. They spent many hours working on Jack's family ranch outside of Comstock, at the Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center, and benefiting the Comstock Volunteer Fire Department Joe's vast array of skills was used in the building and improvement of their own homes and those of others, too. He also stepped in to care for his sister and her family upon the death of his brother-in-law and extended the same generosity to many others.

Joe dedicated his professional life to the benefit of the greater Del Rio community through 44 plus years of service with the Del Rio Fire Department. At the beginning of 1974, Joe was voted into the Del Rio Volunteer Fire Department and offered them his time and skills for 3 years before being hired as a firefighter by the City of Del Rio. This began his tenure with the fire service culminating with his appointment as Fire Chief.

Throughout his career, Chief Harrington earned and put into use many certifications such as EMT and Paramedic, Arson Investigator, Automobile Extrication Course Instructor and TCOLE Master Peace Officer. He received many accolades including multiple Del Rio Firefighter of the Year Awards, Del Rio Fire Department Medal of Honor recipient, TCFP Advanced Certifications, and Texas Fire Chiefs Association Certified Fire Executive Chief Harrington served in many leadership positions, rising through the ranks of the fire service as Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, interim Chief and finally, Fire Chief. He was an Instructor for the Annual Municipal Texas Fire Training School, a Task Force Leader for the Annual Municipal Texas Fire Training School, Committee Member of the FEMA approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, and President of the Wintergarden District of the State Firefighters' & Fire Marshals' Association of Texas.

Joe — Papa Joe — Chief Harrington will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched and his countless examples of diligence, generosity, leadership and charity will live on in many hearts.

Memorial services will be held Jan. 18th 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home at 10:00 am. Reception following.