Norbert J. Harrington
Sunday, November 21, 1948
Date of Death:
Monday, August 4, 2025
Age:
76 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday August 14, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Thursday August 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Live Stream
To view a live stream of the memorial service, please click here.
Sunday, November 21, 1948
Date of Death:
Monday, August 4, 2025
Age:
76 years old
Sunday, November 21, 1948
Date of Death:
Monday, August 4, 2025
Age:
76 years old
Norbert J. Harrington
Norbert John Harrington Jr, 76, of Rochester, MN passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Norb was born November 21, 1948, in Waverly, Iowa to Norbert & Irene Harrington. He graduated from New Hampton High School in 1967.
Upon graduation Norb enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War under the buddy program with his brother Mike. He served from 1968 – 1972 where he earned a Radio Technician Rank E-5. Upon his return he enrolled at Mankato State University & received his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance & Economics in 1975 and achieved his Master’s Degree in Finance & Accounting in 1983. While attending MSU he worked part time as a teller at Northwestern National Bank. After graduation he became a full-time employee of Norwest Bank.
On July 2, 1977, he married Diane M. Werner at St. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church in Mankato, MN. The couple lived in Mankato until 1998 when they moved to Rochester, Minnesota.
Norb eventually went on to become President of Norwest Bank Mankato in 1989. In 1997, Norb had the opportunity to move to Rochester and was President of Norwest Bank/Wells Fargo and later promoted to Regional President of Greater Minnesota until he retired in 2007.
Norb loved spending time with his grandchildren, watching high school & college hockey games, reading anything business related and spending time with his friends. He also loved spending time in Maui each year, sharing laughs with several of his Hawaiian friends.
In 1997, he was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Norb served on the University/Community President’s Committee on Athletics. He was an MSU Booster Club Member and a charter member of the MSU Blue Line Club. He was a major contributor to all MSU Sports and a key person in MSU’s move to NCAA Division I Hockey.
During the course of his career, he enjoyed his work on several boards – Mankato Loyola School Board, MRCI, MSU Foundation Board, MSU College of Business Executive Board, Newman Center on MSU Campus, Region 9 Development Corp, Immanual-St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Board, Schola Foundation, Mankato Chamber of Commerce, Ronald McDonald House, MSU College of Business Executive Board, Board of Trustees for Rochester St. John’s Catholic Church, Rochester Chamber of Commerce, MNSCU.
Norb is survived by his wife Diane of 48 years, his daughter Melissa Leonard (husband Reed & daughters Ava and Ella) of Rochester and son Brandon (“Alex”) Harrington (son Henry) of Minneapolis; brothers Michael (Patricia) Harrington, Kenneth (Sharon) Harrington & sister Mary Harrington.
Norb was preceded in death by his parents Norbert Sr & Irene Harrington and two siblings Rosanne and Patrick.
The funeral service will be held at 5:00p.m., Thursday August 14, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon officiating. Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Macken prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be designated for the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester.
A livestream of the service will be available at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
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Condolences
The family of Norbert J. Harrington has received the following condolences.
Diane and family - I am so very sorry for your loss! Norb was such an important part of my early career and I wouldn't be where I am today without him. I started as a teller at Norwest Bank in Mankato at the Madison East office. He would frequently stop in to see how things were going and knew all of us by name! He made us feel like we were a very important part of the bank's success. After graduation, as I was contemplating what to do, he offered me a chance to complete a "training program" under his direction and guidance. He not only took a chance on me, but always made time to make sure he was available for any questions. He taught me so many things about banking, but mostly that good relationships are the key! As I fondly look back and remember those early days of my career, it is with gratitude and thanks that I was able to work with him!
hi diane and family. My name is hal rossi. You probaly dont remember me, You and Norbie were at our weeding in November of 1989. Besides NORBIES BROTHER, mIKE I WAS PROBLY nORBIES BEST FRIEND IN COLLEGE. nORB. mIKE AND i WERE VERY CLOSE. i WAS AT YOUR WEDDING. i SERVED PUNCH. i MET nORB WHEN HE JUST GOT OUT OF vET nAM. iREMBER ALOT OF THINGS ABOUT nORB AND mIKE AND THEIR PARENTS, WHO WERE WONDERFUL PEOPLE. nORB LOST HIS DOG, cOLLINS WHEN HE AND cOLLINS WERE WALKING THE PERMITER while he was in Vet Nam. cOLLINS WAS KILLED BY A MOTOR ROUND. nORB WANTED TO BRING cOLLINS HOME TO iOWA WITH HIM. i DONT REMBER WHICH CAME 1ST The janitor job at Northwestern Natl Bank I helped Norb get or the tellers job at Norwest Bank in Mankato. And you probably know the rest of the story of Norbs career at Wells Fargo. Norbie was a good friend and buddy to me. I COULD TELL IN COLLEGE THAT nORB WAS GOING PLACES.
sORRY ABOUT ALL THE PUNCTUATION MISTAKES. i AM NOT ON THE COMPUTER MUCH. mY WIFE AND i NOW LIVE IN lAKE hAVASU cITY az' hAL rOSSI
Diane and family, I’m sorry to hear the loss of Norbert. I know how hard it can be. Continue to share all your memories with your family and friends.
Hi Dianne my sincere sympathy to you &your family..seems like only yesterday you were here in Mankato, but. Time goes by so fast.i still remember singing for your wedding. I was so honored to be asked back then. I still live in my home by myself and doing very well for 97 yrs. I feel very blessed. Roger has been gone for 2 1/2 yrs already . I so enjoyed working with Norb,we had a lot of good days together may GOD bless you and surround you with His comfort . If you ever get to Mankato,please stop & see me at133oxford path,Mkto. Grace and peace be with you. Dee saman
Our hearts are saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. Diane and the entire Harrington family you are in our thoughts and prayers. We got to know Mike through (Harold) Kenny. Mike was a great guy! He was always so friendly and kind to us.
Deepest sympathy to you all.
Tessy (Dan) & Peg Testroet
I was heartbroken to hear about Norb's passing. He was truly one of a kind, smart, generous, and always ready with a thoughtful word. His love for hockey was matched only by his love for his family, and it was clear how proud he was of all of you.
I feel grateful to have known him and will cherish the memories of his laughter, his stories, and the way he made everyone around him feel welcome. I hope in time the pain of this loss will be eased by the many beautiful memories you hold in your hearts.
Please know I am holding you close in my thoughts and sending love and strength in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Lynn Otis
Diane and family..So sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our prayers. Mickey, Donna, and family
Sorry to hear about the passing Norb. Our condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Norb, starting with visiting Ken at their farm outside of Nashua to visiting him and Mike at Mankato State. Norb was one of the reasons I went to MSU. While there I went to the bank that Norb worked at to set up my checking account. When he asked what color of check book cover I wanted I said I didn’t care. He then told me to get a green one which I did and have always done throughout my life. When I graduated and moved to Phoenix, Norb was a reference I used to get a job. When he came to town he looked me up to make sure I was okay. Even though I have not seen him for years I will always remember Norb for helping me out. Rest in Peace Norb! Jeff & Cindy Roths
Sorry to learn of your loss. Met Norb thru the Mankato State College Vets Club when we were students. With his brother Mike, we shared an apartment and I will always have fond memories of the good times we shared. For Norb, one last Budweiser and Peppermint Schnapps chaser. Anchors Aweigh my friend.
Manny Garcia
Sorry to see the Loss of Norb he was a great man and we always enjoyed his company when he was in town at the Loose Moose Saloon for MSU hockey our thoughts and prayers are with you all Moose,Mikey and Dan
I will always cherish every moment shared with Norb in Maui for the past 25 years. My family loved him as much as I have. Enjoying Mai Tais, Hula dancing at the Tiki Bar & sunset dinners with Norb, Diane, Melissa, Reed & his beautiful granddaughters will always fill my heart with joyous memories. A Hui Hou Kakou 🌺🌈🌴
Diane, Melissa, Brandon and grandchildren,
Sorry for your loss. I will always remember his great smile.
Norb was a great supporter of figure skating in Mankato and Maverick Hockey. He helped the Mavericks step up to Division 1. He will be watching from above.
Norb, the best father and friend to Melissa and Katie. He loved his girls so much. We will be forever thankful for his kindness and support of these young women as they grew to adulthood. Rest in peace. Love, Marty and Steve
So very sorry to hear about Norb’s passing. So many great memories staying at your house and cousin gatherings.
Many heartfelt prayers.
Was so sorry to hear of Norb's passing. I remember coming to your house and having so much fun. Prayers and love for the family.
Norm will always be remembered as a great American who was there to help those in need. Our happy hours in Maui were full of a lot of things that I will always cherish. A great friend who left us to soon. Rest in peace my friend.
I am deeply saddened by Norm’s passing. I had the privilege of knowing him during my time at Norwest, where he began in Commercial Banking and later managed outstate Minnesota in the 1990s while I worked in Minneapolis. At 76, he was taken too soon. My heartfelt condolences to your family. Thank you for sharing his memory.