Kenneth E. Harrington Sr., 81, lifetime resident of Shaftsbury, VT passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026.
Ken was born to the late Leo & Mabel (Niles) Harrington on October 7, 1944 in Bennington, VT. He was one of three children. Ken received his early education at Shaftsbury Elementary School, and later graduated from Bennington High School in 1962. Eventually he would go on to join the United States Army, and served his country for two years.
Kenneth would marry the former Alanna Libbey on December 20, 1968 in Shaftsbury, VT. Together they would raise four children. Ken and Alanna were married for 49 years until her passing in June of 2018.
Ken was a hard worker, a family man, a jokester and teaser, and most of all – fun-loving. Ken knew how to have a good time. Ken was self-employed and owned his own construction business, Ken Harrington Construction, and worked throughout the Shaftsbury area. In his retirement years, Ken joked about going back to work because he “was bored”. Always needing to stay entertained, Ken loved to travel to different amusement parks to ride the most thrilling of rollercoasters even in his later years. Six Flags season passes were an essential must-have for him. Normally these trips were with family, but he once decided on flying to Texas by himself just to have the opportunity to visit a new park and gain new experiences. In addition to his enjoyment of amusement parks, Ken loved to take his cars for joyrides, and taking his pontoon boat out on the water. A lover of country music, a couple of his favorite artists were Toby Keith and Dolly Parton (especially Dolly). Above all, he loved to spend time with his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured all the moments he got to share with them. Ken was a lover of animals, and was the proud owner of the “vicious beast”, Maizie.
Kenneth is survived by his four children: Tina Christmas (Tonya), Kenneth Harrington Jr. (Marjorie), Chrissy Harrington (Brandon), Michael Harrington (Michelle). His twelve grandchildren: Sheina, Amanda, Kyle, Cody, Keri, Pascal, Deacon, Leo, Thomas, Silas, Stacy, and Payton. A brother, Phillip Harrington (Jackie). Ken is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Kenneth is predeceased by his wife, Alanna Harrington. His parents, Leo & Mabel Harrington. A twin brother, Keith Harrington.
A time for visitation will be held on March 30, 2026 from 4:00-6:00 PM at EP Mahar & Son Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. A burial with military honors will be held at the family plot at Center Shaftsbury Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Kenneth Harrington Sr. may be made to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Dialysis Department through the office of EP Mahar & Son Funeral Home: 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.