Lasting Memories

Robert B Harrington
April 21, 1941-June 8, 2025
Palo Alto, California

Robert B. Harrington (Bob) of Palo Alto, CA, died, at Stanford Hospital on June 8, 2025 after a short illness. He was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margie, and by his children: Melissa Whiting (Jill French), Steven Harrington, David Harrington, Elizabeth (Kris) Kristofferson, by his grandchildren Griffin Whiting, and Drea Gomes (Eric). Lauren Whiting (Jonelle), Mitchell and Taylor Harrington, Mark Harrington, Ke’ili Deal, Lucy and Cole Kristofferson and Mark Harrington and 8 great grandchildren. Bob is also survived by his sister, Nancy Herrick and his nieces, by his Brother-in-law John Carrigg (GiGi), and sister-in-law Barbara Carrigg, and his nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Sherwood (Ron), and his nieces and nephew Scott, and daughter-in-law Kathy Harrington.

Bob was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa April 21, 1941 to Arlan (Doc) and Beulah Harrington. Bob had a Midwestern childhood, playing baseball, riding his bike and hanging out with his “across the street big brother”, Bill Meffert, with whom he remained close all of his life, he mowed lawns, studied the stock market and loved cars. Bob attended Cedar Rapids public schools until coming to Stanford University in 1959. He joined the Marine Corp reserve in 1960. When his father died in 1961, he returned to Cedar Rapids, married Margaret (Margie) Carrigg, and attended the University of Iowa. They returned to Stanford in 1963 and bought a home in Palo Alto in 1969 with four children in tow.

Bob's professional life was in Santa Clara County, where he worked for three companies: Pacific Telephone, Transamerica Title, and then a 25 year investment career with Dean Witter (now Morgan Stanley) where he managed the Palo Alto office. He created the Immediate Sale Program (Cashless Option Program) in the mid-70's for use by stock optionees at participating corporations (Intel was the first) throughout Silicon Valley and, then throughout the world.

Also at Dean Witter, Bob was a radio and television commentator to broadcast business reports from Silicon Valley on KSFO San Francisco and KXRX San Jose. He did over 20,000 business reports from 1969-1981.

Bob retired from Dean Witter in 1992 and put his business insights to work as an early member of the Band of Angels, where he mentored start-up companies seeking an angel investment. He also served as an independent trustee for a number of private estates.

Bob also spent considerable time with Palo Alto community projects, including campaigns for storm drains, school bonds and City Council. He was on the Channing House Board of Directors for a number of years. More locally, He helped coordinate the annual tree lighting in his Christmas Tree Lane neighborhood and was a neighborhood coordinator for Emergency Preparedness.

Bob worked with city government, ardently supporting and assisting a major project to bring Fiber to the Home (FTTH). He was Advisor to the Mayor for Broadband and worked with the City Manager as an advisor to the FTTP/Wireless Citizen Advisory Committee. In 2015, Bob was honored with the Avenidas Life Time of Achievement Award.

Bob also found time to travel, among his favorite destinations: Bozeman, MT, Chatham, MA, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii and many countries in Europe. He always ventured out with Margie and friends. Summer family trips to Lake Tahoe, camping with Paul and Sally Taylor in Canada and Montana and trips to see Pam and Hal Williams on Big Moose Lake were special events.

As their children grew older and had children and grandchildren, family gatherings became even more precious. Bob was the child whisperer, telling stories, playing jail, and offering snuggling on his ample lap were irresistible. Nothing brought more pleasure to Bob than seeing his grandchildren thrive.

Bob had a rare gift. He always thought of the persons with whom he interacted more than of himself. He had a knack for making people feel good about themselves. Whether friends, business associates or kids he coached in little league, Bob left people with added confidence and energy. He was vibrant, curious, funny and engaging to a rare degree. We have been and will continue to be inspired by his presence.