Obituary of Thomas S. Harrington, III

Thomas Stephen “Tommy” Harrington III, age 40, of Belchertown, passed away at Baystate Medical Center, on Thursday, August 3rd, surrounded by his loving family, after a long illness. Born December 8, 1982, he grew up in Monson, MA, and attended Monson schools. He graduated from Pathfinder Regional in Palmer, in 2001, where he played soccer as a co-captain and goalie, and focused on the automotive trade. He took courses at STCC, and most recently was a Culinary Arts student at Holyoke Community College. He was very proud of achieving high honors, and acing psychology. He attended school all while fighting his illness. He was the chef/owner of Swift River Cultures, an entrepreneurial venture bringing local food from farm to table. His ultimate goal was to eventually get a food truck to feed the homeless. He worked in multiple trades including automotive, metalworking, and carpentry that he learned from his late uncle, John Robert. Growing up, Tommy loved riding his bicycle and spending several summers at Camp Woodward. His love for two wheels evolved into riding dirt bikes. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Patriots and Bruins. Tommy loved the ocean, especially Seabrook, NH. Tommy also had a love for music. He played guitar, drums, and was most recently a performer and DJ with the group Digital Storm. He loved animals, especially wolves, and he’s now reunited with his best buddy, his Springer Spaniel, Todd. His grandmother, “Yia-Yia”, the late Bess Harrington, of Palmer, was a huge part of his life. He leaves behind his mother, Nancy Plant, and stepfather, Ken Hamel, of Belchertown; his father, Thomas Harrington, and stepmother, Caren Harrington, of Palmer; his brother, Alex Harrington, and sister in law, Jenn Lavin of Leicester; his step sister, Holly Eckert, and his brother in law, Richard Eckert, of Brimfield; his step sister, TinaMarie DuPuis, and his brother in law, Dac Cannon of Savannah, GA; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home from 10 am to 12 noon. Followed by a Memorial service at noon. Burial will not be immediate. Donations may be made in Tommy’s name to the MSPCA.