MAINE - Dean James Harrington, 61, passed away at Maine General Medical Center in Augusta on December 3rd, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born on September 3rd, 1961 to the late Gene and Eleanor Harrington. Dean graduated from Mt. Juliet High School, Mt. Juliet, TN in 1979. Following high school, he enlisted into the Army where he served for 15 years. While serving in the Army he took on many roles, first as a 19D Cavalry Scout with the 2/4 Infantry 56 FA Brigade defending Pershing Missiles in Germany. Then on to the 82nd Airborne 4th/68 Armor Regiment air dropping light armor. After serving in the Army, he went on to the Maine Army National Guard serving in the Mountain Company 3/172nd Infantry as both a Mortarman and Sniper. He became one of the first Army National Guard Snipers to complete the United States Army Sniper School. Later he transitioned to the Air Force where he was a Crew Chief on the KC-135 Stratotanker. There he maintained and deployed with the aircraft around the world. Dean was always the first to volunteer for a trip or a mission. He proudly served his country for an additional 17 years before retiring in 2011. Dean was far from a simple man but liked simple things, not interested in extravagance or material wealth, but instead focused his attention on more significant matters to him – the love of family and friends. He was always the first to aid anyone in need throughout his personal life and his 32 years of military service. Numerous fellow soldiers have come forward to share their stories about how Dean taught, protected, and befriended them early in their military journey. These military comrades became better soldiers and men as a result and lifelong bonds were formed. The military was a big part of Dean's life, but he was not defined by it. Being of Irish Catholic descent, the importance of family was instilled at an early age and was of utmost priority. For the last five years, he actively participated in family weekly video calls with his five siblings to regularly catch up on family matters and share stories. Everyone that knew Dean also knows that he loved to weave a story, so each of his siblings anticipated these colorful, elaborate and often hilarious stories he would bring to each call. Dean also loved being a grandfather! He took the family nickname "Pop", which was used by his father and grandfather before him. He loved spending time with them and did so whenever he was able. He loved long rides on his motorcycle, attending events like UBM Statewide, Daytona Bike Week, Biketoberfest, Harley Rendezvous, Harley's 105th Anniversary, Laconia Bike Week, Sturgis Rally and many more. He is survived by his loving wife Angela Wight of Livermore Falls, son Brandon of Oakland, CA, stepson Nick Purnell and wife Jamie and their three children of Etna, son Sean and his fiancé Eva Kecskemethy of Augusta, daughter Courtney McGinnis and husband Cory and their two children of Palmyra, daughter Lindsey Waitt and husband Daniel and their two children of Sebec, stepsons Nathan Leavitt and Collin Leavitt of Dixfield, stepdaughter Haley Leavitt of Hawaii, stepdaughter Ashley Leavitt of Livermore Falls, brother Gene Harrington of Woodstock, GA, sisters Colleen Prescott of Winthrop, Charlene Smith of Boca Raton, FL, Kathleen Dupont of Readfield, and Darlene Gilbert of Winslow. Dean is predeceased by his parents, Gene and Eleanor Harrington. Visiting hours will be at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop on Tuesday December 13th from 10-12. Following visitation there will be a graveside service at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta where Dean will receive full military honors. There will be a celebration of Dean's life from 2-6PM at the American Legion in Winthrop, 117 Bowdoin Street. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Travis Mills Foundation. The Travis Mills Foundation supports recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. https://travismillsfoundation.org Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting www.khrfuneralhomes.com Click this link to view additional details about Dean's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/dean-harrington