David Richard Harrington, 1953 – 2024, David was born in Chardon, Ohio and resided in Middlefield his entire childhood and part of his adult life, until relocating to Garrettsville, Ohio, when he married the love of his life, Rebecca (Dean). David lost his year plus fight with cancer where most never knew he was sick, on Saturday, April 13, 2024.
David’s family has a long history in Middlefield. David’s grandfather “Charlie” established and owned Middlefield Hardware, which was well-known and served the community for many years.
David not only always thought big, but also had the courage and tenacity to pursue and achieve his dreams. David acquired a Kubota franchise to add to the family business and named it “Middlefield Tractor Barn,” and then became one of the largest Kubota Dealers in the United States and Canada.
He then decided to relocate the hardware store from its downtown location to the west side of the village, and to accomplish this, created a large strip mall, thereby making space for additional tenants. They labeled the mall, “Harrington Square,” and although the hardware store is no longer a tenant, due to David’s relentless efforts, the 80,000 square foot property is today thriving with local businesses, many which he helped into business, bringing special value to the Village of Middlefield.
David graduated from Cardinal High School; but his friends claim he got his MBA and Ph.D. from “The Jimmy Carter School of Economics.” Shortly after building the strip mall, interest rates soared to 18%, inflation spun out of control and jobs became scarce. Not only did David survive these challenging economic conditions, but he also continued to seek and find opportunities for additional risk. David viewed real estate like a jigsaw puzzle and was a master at acquiring the pieces to complete the puzzle. He was able to acquire, parcel-by-parcel, enough property adjacent to his mall to attract Wal-Mart, and then compile additional parcels for another small strip center adjacent to Harrington Square. As a true entrepreneur he went on throughout his life with many other real estate investments. His business partner and soulmate was his wife Becky, and together they were fearless and creative and, fortunately, she was supportive and not risk adverse.
David’s profession was property development, but his hobbies were many. He loved anything piston-powered and collected and built numerous cars that were both speed based and museum quality. He did the research and became nationally known for some of his cars and frequently attended high-end car auctions.
David also loved great food. Anytime he entertained, his quests were in for a treat. For the last three years, he and Becky vacationed for the month of February in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In addition to relaxing with friends and enjoying the ocean, he searched out the best restaurants and took the lead on finding which restaurant had the best clam chowder, the best sea food, and the best deserts, and for the 28 days of February, every evening dinner was an event with David’s great friends and good food.
Outside of his profession of property development, hobbies from cars to food and golf (which he played terribly) he was a friend to everyone he met. He had the ability to make an impression and made everyone he met feel like they had just made a new friend. When David entered a room, he would light it up, and he had the uncanny ability to make everyone smile and laugh.
David cared deeply for his family, always working to support his parents as they aged, and insuring success for his daughters as they grew and matured. He had the same attitude for his friends: if a friend needed something where David could assist, there was never a doubt help was on the way. He loved his family, his friends, and his country.
He will be forever greatly loved and missed by his wife, Becky; his two daughters, Caitlynne and Evalynne; mother, Helen Harrington; sisters, Vicki (husband Jerry McCalmont), Ruth Ann (husband George Womack), and Paula Feitag; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He will also be missed by his many great friends and all who knew him.
David was preceded in death by his father, Richard Harrington.
Calling hours will be Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield, from 3PM-6PM. A remembrance service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 11:00AM.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at slyffh.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org.
