Robert I. Harrington

MASSENA- After a lengthy illness, Robert I. Harrington, 74, of 254 Hubbard Road, peacefully passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

Robert was born September 13, 1942 in Potsdam, son of the late Carl Edward and Fern Mila Genaway Harrington. He attended Massena High school and on November 13, 1964 was drafted and inducted in the US Army. He proudly served as a Lineman, until his honorable discharge on October 25, 1966. He married Sandra Reddick on November 6, 1967. The marriage ended in divorce. He later married Valerie Ziser on June 21, 1996.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #79 and the Alcoa Meet and Eat Club. On December 6, 1966, he started working at Alcoa in the potroom, until his retirement on March 1, 2004. He also served as a Safety Officer for the union for many years.

Robert lived most of his life in Massena, enjoyed Science Fiction movies and music, and was an avid video game player. Most of all, he cherished his time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Valerie; two children, Christopher Harrington of Massena; and Jennifer and John Belk of Summerville, SC; two step children, Robert Griffin, Jr. of Moira, and Jeannine Griffin of Richmond, VA; a grandchild, Emily Belk; five step-grandchildren, Evan Charlebois, Zariah White, Bree Williams, Tiffany Barry, and Jacen Griffin; seven great grandchildren with another one on the way; and two brothers, Ricky Harrington of Raymondville; and Young Harrington of Waddington.

In addition to his parents Carl and Fern, Robert was predeceased by his wife’s parents, Walter and Ruth Ziser; a step grandson, Randy Bashaw; and one step great-grandson, Preston Robert Charlebois.

Friends may call at the Donaldson Funeral Home Friday 6-8 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00. Burial will be at Morningside Cemetery in Malone at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s memory to Massena Rescue Squad.