Harrington, Ray H.

Ray H. Harrington

Early Life

Ray Hodgman Harrington was born on May 21, 1894, in Naugatuck, Connecticut, the son of William James Harrington and Lila May Hodgman. He grew up in a New England environment shaped by both traditional education and musical training, developing an early talent as an organist and musician. By the years leading up to the First World War, he was already active in church and community music, reflecting a lifelong dedication to the field.

In 1917, he married Mildred Irene Thomas in Rye, New York, establishing a connection to the Rye community while continuing his professional and musical pursuits in the region.

World War I Service

Harrington enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on June 29, 1918, at New York, New York, and underwent initial training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. He was assigned to the band section of the 5th Marine Regiment, part of the 2nd Infantry Division, where he served as a bugler.

Buglers in Marine units performed more than ceremonial duties; they were responsible for sounding commands that directed troop movement, formations, and daily operations, making them an integral part of battlefield communication in an era before widespread radio use.

He deployed overseas in August 1918 with the American Expeditionary Forces, arriving in France during the final phase of the war. During his service, he participated in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the largest American-led campaign of the war, a sustained push through heavily fortified German positions that helped bring about the end of the conflict. He also took part in the Crossing of the Meuse River, a difficult late-stage operation involving river crossings under enemy pressure as Allied forces advanced.

Harrington served overseas from August 27, 1918, to March 15, 1919, including the post-Armistice occupation period. In addition to his primary duties, he later performed hospital and support service roles before returning to the United States. He attained the rank of Corporal and was released to inactive duty on June 23, 1919.

Life After Service

Following his military service, Harrington built a distinguished career in music education and performance. He became the head of the music department at Greenwich High School, where he served for thirty-five years, shaping generations of students through both instruction and leadership. In addition to his work in education, he was deeply involved in church and community music, serving as organist and choirmaster at Christ Church in Greenwich and later at St. Mark’s Church in New Canaan.

His influence extended into the broader musical community, where he conducted and participated in several regional organizations, including the New Canaan Community Orchestra, the Stamford Symphony, and the Riverside Glee Club. He was also a member of the American Guild of Organists and remained active in civic life as a charter member and past president of the Greenwich Rotary Club, as well as a member of American Legion Post 29.

Ray Hodgman Harrington died on November 12, 1971, in Greenwich, Connecticut.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his son, Ray H. Harrington of Old Greenwich; his daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth N. Harrison of Arlington, Virginia, and Mrs. Nancy C. Abbott of Cumberland Center, Maine; and his sister, Mrs. Blanche Downs of Londonderry, Vermont.