Richard Maitland Barney

BARNEY, Richard Maitland Age 79, life long resident of Framingham, died Friday, December 12, 2008 surrounded by his entire family. He was the husband of Irene (Grover) Barney for 53 years. A graduate of St. Stephen's Parochial School and Framingham High, Class of 1947, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1952 as a radio operator in the 5th Air Sea Rescue Squadron during the Korean War and was a participant in the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949 receiving the Air Medal w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Service Star w/3 Battle Stars, Humane Action Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 3 Unit Citations, Korean Service Medal and Berlin Airlift Medal. Prior to his retirement, he continued working for the USAF with the 731st Troop Carrier Division at Hanscom Field and Westover AFB as an Avionics Branch Chief, both as a civilian and an active reservist. He retired at 25 years as a Chief Master Sergeant. He later worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist with DCASMA/Boston for a period of years. He was Past Commander of the J.J. McGrath American Legion, a member of the Ashland Legion Post and the VFW Post in Wayland. He also enjoyed his many friends and acquaintances at the Longfellow Club/Sudbury and the Nobscot HoneyDew coffee shop. Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters; Sharlene Barney of Ashland and Robyn Barney of Framingham, two grandsons; Luke Barney of Ashland and Gregory Barney of Framingham, his brother Ronald W. Barney and a sister-in-law Marjorie Grover, both of Framingham, and his Siamese, Mickey. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 16th at 11:30 a.m. at St. Bridget's Church, Rte. 9, Framingham. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery, Framingham. Calling hours at the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St., FRAMINGHAM are Monday, December 15th from 4 to 8 pm. Donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.