Bruce Charles Harrington

Bruce Charles Harrington, 83, made his grand exit on July 9th, 2026, surrounded by love in his Topeka home. He was born on May 26th, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Charles Herbert Harrington and Cecelia Antoinette Illosvay. He was soon joined by little sister Patti.

He graduated from Hayden High School and Washburn Law School. He worked for many years as an attorney and soon became a Municipal Judge for the City of Topeka. He was also a well-known figure at Porubsky's Deli, where he spent every lunch break for decades. He married Rebecca June Coward in July 1991, and they had their daughter, Hannah Bleu Harrington on December 22nd, 1992.

Bruce was a professional but jovial man, who loved to tell stories, even if they were tall tales at times, and loved to joke and laugh. He loved game shows, and surprisingly MTV, his favorite show being Beavis and Butthead. He enjoyed all types of music. He could enjoy the peaceful voices of Kathy Mattea and John Denver, then rock out to his favorite band, ZZ Top. He was an avid sports fan, a diehard fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.

He also enjoyed traveling and boating. Bruce was truly happiest on Table Rock Lake in Missouri, cliff diving off of Battleship Rock and enjoying a lake day with his family. He also found great happiness in the grassy plains of West Kansas, hunting pheasants with his late friend Martin “Big Man” Haskell, and in the streets and restaurants of his hometown Chicago.

Bruce could be a complicated person but had a big heart and generous soul. He would do anything to help, and to make the people he loved happy. He loved animals and developed deep bonds with the furry friends in his life. He was very well spoken, and his touching eulogies for others makes writing his quite difficult.

Bruce is survived by his wife Rebecca, his sister Patti Blevins and her husband Greg, children from his previous marriage Samantha and Justin Harrington, daughter Hannah Bleu and her husband Aaron Valbracht, grandchildren Kaden and Kaitlyn Harrington, step-granddaughter Mavis Valbracht, niece Holly Zulpo and family, nephew Eric Blevins and family, his “very good friend” and caretaker Anthony Heatherly, and beloved pets Buebo, Peppa Pug and Dobby.

He has been reunited with his parents, Charles and Cecelia, and a host of beloved friends and chosen family who are surely as excited to see him as he is to see them.

Per Bruce's wishes, there will be no service. His ashes are to be spread in his favorite places. In lieu of a funeral, please share all well wishes and fond memories below for the family to keep and cherish.