Bob Harrigan Jr.

Robert Shaw “Bob” Harrigan Jr. 82, of West Hartford died peacefully surrounded by his children and grandchildren October 31st 2015. He was born September 20, 1933 in Bangor, Maine to Robert Shaw Harrigan and Margaret (Fitzpatrick) Harrigan. Bob moved to Hartford at an early age. He attended The Cathedral School and was a 1951 graduate of Hartford Public High School where he was a stand-out pitcher for the varsity baseball team and ran track and field. Bob graduated from The University of Hartford where he earned both a BS and a Master’s Degree in accounting. Bob was recruited out of college by the prestigious accounting firm Price Waterhouse in New York City where he was an auditor. Bob entered into the Army in 1954. He was assigned to Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. He audited the civilian contractors on the “Dew Line Radar Network”. He traveled nearly all of Alaska except for Kodiak Island. His hardy “Maine roots” seemingly gave him immunity from the cold. Bob worked in the accounting field throughout his career, finally retiring after 27 years as an executive at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Bob had a love of his Irish heritage that included many trips to Ireland and being a longtime member of the Irish American Home Society, serving as both Treasurer and Vice-President. He was among the founders, and President of The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Greater Hartford. He was later honored by the members as Irishman of the Year. Bob also donated time to The Riverton Fair, and enjoyed spending time with The West Hartford Squires. Bob and Jeanne had a love of antiques, first as collectors but when their home could no longer contain their collections, they became antique dealers who exhibited throughout New England. Bob was active, athletic, and competitive. He loved deep sea fishing, bridge, golf, and especially darts. He became a competitive dart player, and was at one point sponsored by the Guinness-Harp Company to go to the World Cup in Las Vegas. He was instrumental in the formation of the Northern Connecticut Dart League. Bob enjoyed competing, but will be better remembered as a coach and mentor to new players and teammates alike, always willing to share advice and encouragement. Bob leaves his former wife Jeanne (Farrell) of West Hartford, his son Robert Shaw Harrigan III of Middletown, his son Thomas M. Harrigan and his wife Mary-Anne (Morocco) of West Hartford, and his son Jarrett Harrigan of Hartford. He leaves his brothers, Paul and his former wives, Arline Rosenthal, and Lynn Close, Jerry and his wife Jean (Hallett), J. Thomas and his wife Susan (Walcek), and Joseph and his wife Barbara (Grogan). Bob leaves 8 grandchildren; Brandi, Erin, Melanie, Christina, Shaw, Emily, Zachary, and Anastasia, and three great-grandchildren; Timmothy, Riley, and Dean. As well as many nieces, nephews, friends and cousins. Friends and family may call on Friday November 6th from 6-8 P.M. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday November 7th at 10 A.M. at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Avenue West Hartford. In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity or help someone in your community.

Bob Harrigan Jr.

September 20, 1933 - October 31, 2015