Michael James Harrington

Michael James Harrington, a cherished husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away at the age of 67 on July 15, 2025, in South Bend, Indiana, due to injuries sustained from a vehicle accident in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Mike came bouncing into the world on February 22, 1958, in Rome, New York. He grew from a rambunctious, somewhat mischievous little boy into a beacon of loving-kindness…a joy to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to his faith and his family were unwavering.

He spent his elementary school years in Vienna, New York and then attended Harbert Hills Academy, in Savannah, Tennessee. After graduation, he went to Andrews University to study auto mechanics, and then stayed for the next 47 years working in various departments: College Wood Products as a machinist, Campus Security, multiple roles at the Dairy, and then transferred to Custodial Services when the dairy closed.

The cornerstone of Mike’s life was Jesus. He was an active member of the Village Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs, MI where he served with humility and grace. He was totally in his element dressed in a puffy, neon green caterpillar costume and enthusiastically singing, “If I Were a Butterfly,” with his beloved Kindergarten Sabbath School class. He cheerfully dedicated himself to his duties as deacon—whether directing parking lot traffic or ushering church goers with his patented light-up-the-room smile. Being a member of the church choir also brought him great joy. His voice and guiding hand will be sorely missed by his church family. Michael's zest for life was unquenchable.

He was passionate about snowmobiling—Michigan’s snow-kissed sledding trails often beckoned him and his stepfather-in-law, Jack. And when spring melted away the winter fun, there was always motorcycling. He was also known for his spirited love of baseball. Seeing Mike batting home runs in a vacant lot…tearing around the bases with his baseball cap slightly askew is a fond memory for life-long friends and family. He was meticulous and protective about things—as a pre-teen, he’d spend hours assembling vintage World War Two model aircraft and displaying them with equal care. He was justifiably upset when one of them—his prized F-86 Sabre jet—somehow, accidentally, not on purpose, ended up with a broken wing; and, understandably, the clumsy jet wrecker was forbidden to touch any of his models...forever after! Once Mike became an adult with a home of his own, he applied this penchant for “being particular” to fastidiously caring for his lawn. His well-groomed turf was a source of immense personal satisfaction and it brought a touch of beauty to the neighborhood. His loving, kind, and often funny nature radiated warmth and drew people to him. One sunny afternoon at work on the AU campus, he came upon a group of daycare children chasing foam and bubbles percolating out of a bubble maker their instructor had set up. Ever in touch with his inner child, Mike hopped off the custodial cart and joined them—the decibel level of their combined laughter rising with the bubbles riding the wind.

Michael leaves behind a loving family who wish to honor his legacy of a life well lived: his wife, Lisa Ann (nee: Hansen) Harrington; his daughter, Tiffany (Ken) Meulemans; his granddaughter, Felicity Meulemans; and his sisters, Linda (Ken) Steinke, Joan (John) Henderson, and Donna (Gary) Johnson. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” Harrington, and Gladys (Sherwood) Harrington; his son, Todd Harrington; and his granddaughter, Emma Meulemans.

We look forward to a happy reunion with Mike in Heaven. We only need to hear, once more, the sound of his wonderful, unforgettable laughter…so unique, we could immediately locate him in a throng of hundreds! Michael James Harrington lived a life marked by love, laughter, and service to others. His absence will be profoundly felt, but his spirit will live on through the many lives he touched with his warmth and kindness. We will remember him not for how he died, but how extraordinarily well he lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mike's memory to the Village SDA School, Neighbor to Neighbor, or Harbert Hills Academy in Tennessee.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs, Michigan. A celebration of life will be held at the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church on September 28.