Josephine M. Harrington, 85, formerly of Rumson, passed away Aug. 15 while surrounded by her loving family.
She was born and raised in Red Bank to the late Francesco and Epiphania Buonano. She was a graduate of the Class of ’51 of Red Bank High School where she was a majorette and was voted “Best Figure” by her peers. She loved to play piano and to sing and dance to all types of music. During her junior year, she began dating the man she would eventually marry and spend the rest of her life with, Edward Harrington of Rumson.
She began her professional career as a switchboard telephone operator for Ma Bell from 1951-1955. In the early 1960s she worked at Woolworth’s five-and-dime store in Red Bank. In the late 1960s she was a secretary at the Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) at Fort Monmouth. She finished her working career as a school crossing guard in Rumson where she helped the children get to school safely for over 20 years.
Outside of work, she enjoyed her time as a coach for the Rumson Pop Warner Cheer Squad for many years. She was also an active member of the Rumson Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. The Atlantic City and Saratoga casino slot machines were a favorite day trip of hers. She was an animal lover and had a farm with her husband when they lived in New York state. Through the years she and Edward had many dogs, but she was especially enamored with her surviving beagle Scooter.
Her greatest achievement and priority in life was her family. She was always making sure that everyone else was taken care of before she took care of herself. She was selfless, kind, nurturing and full of love and affection. She will be loved and missed by all of her family and friends in New Jersey and New York.
She was predeceased by her daughter Debbie, her son Jimmy and her brother Frank Buonano Jr.
Surviving are her beloved husband of 66 years Edward Harrington; her loving daughter Rosemarie Harrington-May and her husband Wayne; her cherished grandchildren Jennifer Patton and husband Eric, Kati Karam and husband Rick, Shannon Robbins and Kelsey Robbins; her adored great-grandchildren Dillon, Kingston, Aiden, Gia and Ava; and daughter Debbie’s best friend from childhood Wendy (Wagner) Keany. Also surviving are many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A visitation was held Aug. 18 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 19 at St. James Catholic Church, Red Bank. Interment followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
Please visit Josephine’s memorial website available at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
