Jack W. Harrington

Jack W. Harrington enrolled in the State University of New York at Oswego to obtain an Industrial Arts degree. While there, Marine engine companies were looking for skilled men to train Navy crews for PT and gun boats just prior to World War II. Mr. Harrington was assigned to the United States Navy Bureau of Ships, 11th Amphibious Force/Combined Operations in London. 

Mr. Harrington enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and served from 1946-1949. His intelligence and strong work ethic helped him rise to the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving at Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Following his dedicated service, Mr. Harrington returned home to resume his education, graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Industrial Labor Relations in 1952. 

After having served in the military, Mr. Harrington eased into civilian life, working for Traveler’s Insurance Company, and then moving on to Mohawk Airlines as Director of Employee Relations. In 1955, he moved to White Plains, New York, and worked for the Swiss Re until his retirement. 

Mr. Harrington continued his commitment to service as a community activist and preservationist in the City of White Plains. During his 59 years in White Plains, Mr. Harrington and his late wife, Peg, were key figures in the development of the City, leading movements to preserve historic buildings, landmarks and open spaces. 

Mr. Harrington was always an active member of his community. For 22 years, he served as President of the White Plains Historical Society, and also as a member of the White Plains Conservation Board, Chairman of the White Plains Comprehensive Plan Committee and as a member of the White Plains School District Annual Budget Committee. Mr. Harrington was instrumental in founding the White Plains Greenway Committee in 1996 – the Committee oversaw the transformation of a former railway and dumping ground into one of the most widely-used walking trails. 

Jack W. Harrington has been called the “Father of the Greenway,” and in 2012, the City of White Plains honored him for his work and activism by officially naming the trail “The Jack Harrington Greenway Walking Trail.” Mr. Harrington continues to actively promote the significance of the history of White Plains and its development.