Reverend Cornelius J. (Neil) Harrington, 87, died in his sleep on Nov. 17.

Born on Nov. 24, 1914 in Anyox, B.C., Canada, he was ordained a Catholic priest on May 22, 1941. He considered his vocation “the highest calling there is” and served as curate and pastor at a number of parishes throughout Western Washington, including St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Bainbridge Island.

St. Cecilia was his last assignment before retirement in 1979. In his retirement years, he was able to combine his love of the priesthood with a love of the sea as clergy chaplain aboard Holland America cruise ships.

He is survived by brother John L. Harrington, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass of the Resurrection was held on Nov. 23 at Holy Family Catholic Church on Seattle.

Remembrances may be made to the Archdiocese of Seattle fund for retired priests.