Retired San Francisco Police Lieutenant John Harrington passed away on October 16th, 2026, at the age of 87. Over the course of five decades, John dedicated himself to public service, with a distinguished career that included service in the Civil Air Patrol, the Air Force Reserve, the San Mateo County Coroner’s Office, and as a licensed private investigator.

Born in Washington D.C., and lived briefly in North Dakota after his father died, John was raised in Oakland by his single mother. John spent his entire adult life living in the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula.

In 1961, John graduated with the 90th recruit class of the San Francisco Police Academy and started what became a 31-year career as a police officer. He served several assignments throughout the years including 16 of which were in the Tenderloin area.

He was named the 1969 Police Officer of the Year after, while alone, disarming a rifle wielding man who had shot up a bar on Franklin Street. He was awarded a Silver Medal for Valor, Police Commission Commendations, numerous Captains’ commendations, and ascended to the rank of Lieutenant.

John was a world traveler who visited 47 countries, an avid history and nonfiction buff, an instrument-rated pilot, scuba diver, motorcyclist, and skydiver. Yet John’s proudest accomplishment was being a loving and supportive father and friend to his family.

To quote John, “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, WOW…WHAT A RIDE!!!”

John is survived by his five children, his four grandchildren, his 15 great-grandchildren, and his loving companion Linda.

A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21st, 2026, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel, 1111 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont, CA 94402. John’s family will hold a private celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the ASPCA, aspca.org.