Robert D. “Dudley” Harrington, Jr.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with deep sorrow the death on November 5, 2014 of former President of the Associates, Life Trustee, and Honorary Member, Robert D. “Dudley” Harrington, Jr.   Dudley became a WHOI Life Associate in 1962.  When Dudley joined the Associates Program, he explained his interest in the sea; the Harrington family had spent summers on the Cape for four generations.  He said he been an avid follower of the Institution’s activities through newspapers and magazines and would like to take a more active interest as an Associate in the Institution.  Dudley was elected a Member of the Corporation in 1991; he was elected a Trustee in 1999.  Dudley served as President of the Associates from 1994 to 2005.  As President, he was an ex officio Member of the Corporation; he was elected an Honorary Trustee (now known as Life Trustee) and an Honorary Member in 2005.  Dudley served on numerous committees: Audit (former Chair); Campaign; Development; Executive; Nominating; Ships; and the Access to the Sea Committee.  Dudley became a member of the Fye Society in 2001; he also participated in the WHOI Science Partnership Program.  

Robert Dudley Harrington, Jr. was born December 19, 1932 in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He was the son of the late Anne and Robert Dudley Harrington, Sr., former WHOI Life Associates.  Dudley earned an AB from Brown University and a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia University.   Prior to college, he attended the Bancroft School, as well as the Manlius School, a military school; the training he received at Manlius served him later in life as a member of the National Guard. 

Dudley was Founder and President of Printers Express from 1976 to 1998.  Prior to 1976, he was Vice President of Garland, Harrington & Glick, Inc. (1970-1974); Vice President of Faulkner, Dawkins & Sullivan (1959-1969); and affiliated with Morgan Guaranty Trust from 1957-1959. 

An avid sportsman, explorer, and sailor, Dudley felt strongly about the environment, especially the waters off the coast of New England.  He was a member of numerous organizations, including: Edgartown Yacht Club (Commodore from 1998 to 1999); New York Yacht Club; Greenwich Riding Club; Round Hill Club; Edgartown Reading Room; and the Connecticut Travelers.  He celebrated his New England heritage with memberships in the Fairfield Group; New England Society; and the Pilgrims Society.  As a member of the Masons, he was affiliated with the Holland Lodge; Guiding Lights Lodge; and the Grand Lodge. 

Dudley and his wife, Clare J. (Gesualdo) Harrington, resided in Greenwich, Connecticut; they spent their summers in Edgartown, Massachusetts.  In addition to Clare, he is survived by his sister, Sarah (Harrington) Williams. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at 11:00 am at Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich, CT, followed by a reception at the Round Hill Club in Greenwich.  Burial will be in advance and will be private.  An additional memorial service will be held in Edgartown, Mass., in summer 2015.  In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. (www.lbda.org), or to the Treasure Hunt Farm Foundation, c/o Sara Harrington Williams, P.O. Box 696, Rutland, Mass., 01543.