John W. Carrington Sr.
John W. Carrington, Sr., was born Nov. 24, 1933 in Washington, Arkansas. John was the oldest of nine children born to the late Charlie “Red” and Ola Carrington. The Carrington family later moved from Washington to Little Rock, Arkansas. At an early age, John accepted Christ and was baptized at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. John attended the elementary schools in Little Rock and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1951.
After graduation from high school, John entered the US Navy and served four years during the Korean War. After being discharged from the US Navy, John moved to Boston, MA and began an illustrious 39 year career at Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge where he held increasingly responsible positions including Director of Human Resources for worldwide manufacturing. He retired as Director of Minority Business Development in 1995. While working his way up the career ladder at Polaroid, John attended Wentworth Institute, Boston University and Harvard Business School where he earned many certificates in corporate management.
John married the late Frances Sims and to this union three children were born, John Willis, Jr. Elane Marie and LaJace Paul.
John was very active in the Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge AF&AM, Inc. Jurisdiction of Massachusetts where he served as Worshipful Grand Master. He served in many positions in each of the following local houses: Demetrius Lodge No. 18, Past Master, A.G. Miller Lodge of Perfection, Mt. Moriah Royal Arch, Ballenger Commandery No.1, Alhambra Temple No.1, Laconia Consistory No.1. He also served several years as Grand Patron of Bay State Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Inc.
John proudly speared-headed the male and female drill teams to number one positions several times as the Drill Master of the “Goofers” male team and sponsored the “Gooferettes” female team.
He also held positions in the national organization: First Vice President of the Supreme Council of Grand Lodges, Inc., Assistant East Coast Assembly Deputy of the Imperial Grand Council, Ancient Arabic Nobles of the Mystic Shrines of North and South America, Inc.
John W. Carrington Sr. was one of the originators of the Concerned Black Masons of Massachusetts. As a great visionary Hon. John W. Carrington has served on many committees and advised the financial activities of many of the various organizations locally and nationally. Under his leadership the jurisdiction of Massachusetts successfully secured a building for the Grand Lodge, the Grand Chapter and the Gladiators, forming the Hiram Grand Lodge Youth Development Center in Dorchester.
Upon his retirement as Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge, the Boston City Council in a meeting assembled, congratulated the Honorable John W. Carrington, 33rd on his retirement and he was honored with a resolution presented by City Councilor Charles C. Yancey.
John was a lover of sports and coached one of the first women’s softball teams in Roxbury, the “Dodgerettes”. He was also an avid fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics.
In 1993, John married Leslie (Fischer) Carrington. John and Leslie spent many lovely years together working and traveling both nationally and internationally.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie “Red” and Ola Carrington, daughter Elane, and siblings, Charlie Jr. (Bill), Christine, Emmanuel and Ola Louise.
John departed this life after a short illness on June 25, 2017.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Leslie, two sons, John, Jr., (Anne), LaJace (Jennifer), sisters Charlene, Lenora (Bernard), brothers, Leon (Ruth) and R C (Shirley), seven granddaughters, Helena, Amber, Cierra , Alana, Taylor, Evelyn and Lillian, goddaughters Johnetta Downes, Arniece Callender and Erika Botts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Visiting hours at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, Wednesday July 5 10AM – 12 PM followed by a Funeral Service at 12 Noon. Relatives and friends invited. Interment Thursday at Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Guestbook Entries
Leslie &Family we are sorry for your loss . prayers are prayed daily for the entire family. your cousins from K C.Mo with much “Love”.
please except our sympathy for your great loss, just know we are praying for the family. The James&Billie Burch & Edna Olive from Kcmo with much love.
John & family
I’m so sorry for your loss. No words can ever replace a loved one.
Keep all the great memories you have and remember your dad will always be in your heart.
My prayers are with you.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. WE WILL MISS JOHN
VERY MUCH.HE WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS.HE WAS A WONDERFUL ALL AROUND GREAT MAN. GOD BLESS HIM.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss to the entire Carrington family.
John was a fine gentleman, Mason, executive, but most of all a father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
God bless and keep him.
To Leslie and family: It is with deep sadness that I read of John’s death. I have many fond memories of all of us working and socializing together at Polaroid and am saddened that we’ve lost touch since those days. We had so many fun times. My deepest sympathies, Leslie, to you and the rest of John’s family. He was a special guy!
Leslie, my heartfelt sympathy in the passing of John. Your in my thoughts. Wishing you happy memories of your time together.
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and Family! Gone but never Forgotten.
Sincerely,
Your cousin Paulette Phillips, Lorrie Walker, Bryce Phillips and Cali Phillips in Kcmo.
John was a very special gentleman and will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Our deepest sympathy to his wife, Leslie, and all the Carrington family.
May he dwell in peace with God’s love.
Rest In Peace Uncle John!
Dear John,
Knowing you, I know that your dad and mother were exceptional people. Thank you for being a good friend as I wish I could lessen your pain / grief. The only way out of this dark tunnel is to celebrate with family and friends as you do so well.
I am so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a kind, generous, loving man…a mentor and friend. It was an honor and privilege to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends…xo
Leslie, I just happened to read the Polaroid obits recently and apologize for being so late in responding. I am truly sorry for your loss. I remember the fun times we had working together and always thought of you as a friend. My heartfelt sympathies to you and family members in the loss of John. Take care. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Fond regards, Cam
Dear John & Mrs. Carrington,
The “Grand Potentate” as John humorously referred to his dad was a gentlemen with class, intelligence and drive who loved his family deeply, especially Elane. What a gift to have been given in this life to have John Sr., who you created so many wonderful memories with. Peace & blessings to you Mrs. Carrington, John & LaJace.
Sincerely,
Kelli Hicks- Gavin (friend of John Jr.)