1939 - 2026
Born in Boston in 1939 and raised in Wenham, Joe was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, eventually earning the rank of Star Scout and Patrol Leader. He attended Mount Hermon School before earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from MIT, including advanced degrees in nuclear engineering. He remained an active MIT volunteer and donor throughout his life.
Joe began his professional career in nuclear research in Austria before working for Commonwealth Edison in Chicago. In 1973, he and his wife, Diethild “Didi,” moved to Westborough with their two sons. He joined the New England Electric System, eventually becoming Vice President of New England Power. Later, Joe returned to MIT, where he served as Assistant Dean and Director of Development for the School of Engineering and later as a Senior Development Officer. He retired in 2004 and received MIT’s Bronze Beaver Award in 2006 for his service to the Institute.
Joe was deeply involved in the Westborough community. He served on town and church committees, the Westborough Advisory Finance Committee, and as church moderator. He was elected Westborough Town Moderator in 1990 and served through the 2013 Town Meeting. He remained active with the Massachusetts Moderators’ Association through 2020, including serving as president and co-editing Town Meeting Time. He also volunteered with the American Red Cross and was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America with the 2016 Good Scout Award.
An avid outdoorsman, Joe regularly hiked in the White Mountains and completed the Appalachian Trail from the Hudson River to Mount Katahdin in sections over 12 years. He climbed all 65 New England peaks above 4,000 feet, as well as numerous peaks in the Austrian Alps. His passion for nature extended to photography, and his annual photo calendars became treasured Christmas gifts for family and friends.
Joe also remained active in retirement. After moving to The Willows at Westborough in 2019, he served as Treasurer of the Willows Residents’ Association and participated in its annual talent show. In 2025, he moved to Whitney Place assisted living, where he formed new friendships and remained part of the community.
Above all, Joe devoted himself to his family. He and Didi shared 54 years of marriage and maintained strong connections with their family and Austrian heritage. They frequently traveled to Austria, including Vienna and the lakes near Salzburg, and were active with the Austro-American Association of Boston.
Joe is survived by his sons, Joseph and Robert; Joseph’s wife, Sara, and their son, Joseph; Robert’s wife, Heidi, and their sons, Maxwell and Bradley; his sisters, Joan Smith and Anne Heider; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 9th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home, located at 62 West Main Street in Westborough.
Following a private burial, a public memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 10:30 AM at the Congregational Church of Westborough, located at 57 West Main Street in Westborough.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joseph Harrington Memorial Fellowship Fund #2 at MIT, a scholarship fund, through MIT Giving.
