Norwich, VT – Harry Clinton Connington died on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. He was born on May 6, 1961, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, the son of Richard Dewey Connington and Florence Christina Kerber. Born with spina bifida, Harry entered the world at a time when life was not easy for children with disabilities, but he faced every challenge with courage, humor, and grace.
Harry grew up largely in Grand View-on-Hudson, New York, later moving to Manhattan with his father and stepmother, Grace Evans. In an era when students with disabilities received little support, Harry’s perseverance enabled him to graduate from high school and attend SUNY New Paltz while pursuing his passion for art. A gifted and lifelong artist, Harry studied at the Woodstock School of Art, The Art Students League of New York, and the School of Visual Arts. In the mid-1980s, he left New York City for Ulster County to be near his sister Hilari and her family. In 2006, he moved to Norwich, Vermont, to be close to his sister Onita and her family.
Throughout his life, Harry faced many challenges with extraordinary bravery. As a child, he endured long hospital stays and painful surgeries but remained resilient and optimistic. When he was home, he loved family camping trips and especially swimming, finding freedom in the water and beating his siblings in races across the pool. Harry was kind, thoughtful, and generous. He cared deeply for his family and friends and always sought to help others. Despite daily struggles, he rarely complained and faced life with quiet strength.
In 2011, Harry entered what his family calls a “golden period” – a time of improved health and renewed energy. He successfully managed his recovery from AUD and began a dedicated exercise routine, often wheeling miles across the Upper Valley, pushing up the hill between Norwich and Hanover almost daily.
Unfortunately, his health declined again in late 2016 when his kidneys failed, leading to nine years of dialysis. Even then, Harry continued to make new friends and encourage those around him, inspiring them with his own resilience. Last November, he made the decision to move to the Lebanon Center. Always proud, it could be hard for him to accept help, but the staff there were loving and kind. His family would like to thank them, the staff at Dartmouth Hitchcock, and Fresenius Kidney Care who have taken such good care of Harry over the past many years.
Harry was predeceased by his father, stepmother, and sister, Hilari. He is survived by his mother, Florence; sister, Onita and her husband Vijay Thadani; brother, Richard; brother-in-law, Peter Landau; nieces, Alix and Sarah Landau, Eleanor Thadani and her husband Michael Milano, and Emma Connington; nephews, Michael Thadani and his wife Celanire Flagg, George and Richard Connington; and grand-niece, Sofia Milano.
There will be a private burial on October 29 followed by a drop-in reception to celebrate Harry’s life at the Norwich Inn, from 4 to 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Upper Valley Haven.
An on-line guestbook can be found at rand-wilson.com
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