Mystic - Russell W. Barber, 87, of Mystic, passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at his home surrounded by family. He was born June 12, 1934, in Mystic, the son of Charles W. and Eliza (Wheeler) Barber.

Russell worked as a police officer for the Town of Groton, and Groton Long Point, as the chauffeur to the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles and for Groton Utilities.

Russell was married to Judith (Laffargue) Barber of Mystic, Sept. 20, 1958, at the Noank Baptist Church. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last year. He built their home, where they raised their family. Russell was known for his strong work ethic and great sense of humor. He loved working with his hands building everything from furniture to houses.

Besides his wife Judith, he is survived by his sons: John R. Barber, Robert W. Barber, Greggory A. Barber, Aaron D. Barber and Michael Rogers; three grandchildren, Caleb Barber, Carissa Simmons and Colton Barber; and two great-grandchildren.

Services and burial in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic, were private. Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington Street, New London, assisted the family with the arrangements. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Aug. 30, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Barber

Sponsored by Byles Memorial Home - New London.

14 Entries

Julie Sottile Sugrue

September 10, 2021

To all of the Barbers, Russell was such a wonderful neighbor to all of us Sottile’s. He was so good to George Sr. We heartbroken for all of you.

Frank Conahan

September 9, 2021

To Judy and family,
Since we moved here in 1994, Russ has been such active, positive, and productive force in the neighborhood that it's hard to believe he's gone. Until last year, he had been plowing the street since 1966! In addition to that, I'm pretty sure that he had helped out virtually every household here in one way or another including mowing the association property on a regular basis. I had worked with Russ a number of times on various projects. He helped me build a common mailbox stand for the neighborhood even though his mailbox was separate. I remember splitting wood with him about 10 yrs ago, and I offered to give him a break with the splitting maul after he had been going non-stop in the hot weather - his answer 'What? Do you think I'm old?". He once mentioned to me that he worked for Ford's lobster when he was sixteen, which is not uncommon for kids today. In fact, two of my kids worked there. The difference is that Russ's job (at 16 yrs old) was to drive a refrigerated truck to Maine, spend the night at the lobsterman's house, and then drive a loaded truck back to Fords. This, to me exemplifies the gumption, smarts, and can-do spirit of Russ. The guy never quit and in that spirit he learned how to do stuff - pretty much anything. He knew about engines, carpentry, painting, roofing, building, clamming, fishing, setting a post - pretty much any useful thing you can think of. I had told him more than once he should write a book on 'How to do Stuff', he could have loaded that book like an encyclopedia of valuable - life - "know-how". Beyond all this, he clearly cared about his family and others and and this showed in so many of his efforts.

We will miss him.
Frank and Lorna Conahan

Lee Palombo

September 7, 2021

Dear Judy and family,
I was saddened to hear of Russell's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was such a wonderful man. I would laugh at all the things he did at the DMV when my mom worked there with him. Of Course, the funniest things would be his calling card that he would leave in my yard to let me know he had come over to visit, the empty coffee cup on the trash can:) He will be missed by so many for his sense of humor and funny things that he would do. A true blessing to all who knew him. Sending off my love to you all.
Lee Palombo

Matt and Lisa Champney

September 6, 2021

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Russ was an amazing person and an anchor to the neighborhood we moved into 21 years ago. He was always there to lend a helping hand and had invaluable advice.

Town of Groton PBA

Planted Trees

Geneva de Labry

August 31, 2021

My husband Gerry and I knew Russell from way back - it was summer of 1946 and I played softball with lots of the GLP boys down on the sports field. Then, there were also many good times on the beach. Russell was one of the few kids who lived year-round at GLP, and so he looked forward to having the summer kids show up, as he was so sociable and always lots of fun. Time passed; Gerry and I got married and raised our 4 kids, and were transferred a few times by the Telephone Co.. High schoo sweethearts, Russell and Judy married, raised their 4 kids also, with the added achievement of building their own home in Noank.
At some point we were living in Guilford and Gerry was bringing our daughter to the DMV so she could get her driving license, when much to our pleasure, Russell showed up and whisked her through the whole process! While she was busy watching the road, Russell and Gerry talked about fishing and good old GLP! and re-liv ing good memories of their youth.
A few years later, Russell got together with Fred Clark - -the only other year-round kid at GLP back in the day- -and the two of them told great stories of all the fun they made for themselves back in the good old days - the Noank School, the paper routes, driving before getting their licenses (!!). I have that story (10 pages) still on my computer, written for the GLP Archives, and I would send a copy to Judy or to her sons, if they would like it. - -I have no address for the Barbers.
My Gerry passed away in February after 65 years of marriage, and I know how much he thought of Russell, and how fortunate we both were to count him as one of our friends, and so I send my love and deepest sympathy to Judy.

Jim Furlong

August 31, 2021

Dear Judy and Family,
There is so much to say about Russ. He taught me and advised me, and built things that I use. He was always ready to help me and Bunny and the Fishtown/Little Gull Community. Russ was a fine and ingenious craftsman, and his sense of both beauty and humor are reflected in his immaculate house and grounds. He told me jokes and stories that stick with me. Bunny greatly valued his input. “What would Russell say?” she’d ask.
With deep sympathy, Bunny and Jim Furlong

Jessica Purdon

August 31, 2021

So very sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers are with you all

Kathleen Trepa

August 30, 2021

I am flooded with memories of Russell and my Dad, Antonio Salguero. We grew up next to the Barbers, and I well remember the visits in their sunroom with my own children. Russell was kind, decent, funny and supportive. He never hesitated to help out with any project, no matter what my dad started. My heart goes out to the entire Barber clan.

Esther Dominguez

August 30, 2021

I remember Mr. Barber so fondly. He was a kind and generous person who was always willing to lend a hand, always fixing something and leaving things better than they were. And I remember the ice cream and other treats he shared! My deepest sympathies to the Barber family.

Cassandra Simoncini

August 30, 2021

Dear judy and family,
I am saddened to hear of Russell’s passing. One of my fondest memories of him was when I was learning to ride a two-wheeled bike. He held the seat as he ran along side me and before I knew it, I
I was pedaling down the street by myself.He had let go without my knowing!
There are lots more memories of our GLP years and of Eliza, his Mom.
May God comfort you in your loss.
Fondly, Cassie (Holby) Simoncini

Oliver Salguero

August 30, 2021

I have great memories of Mr. Barber from my teenage summers at my father's house. My father, Antonio Salguero, passed away twenty one years ago. They where neighbours and I remember the kind and respectful relation they had. He was a patient and remarkable man. Mr and Mrs. Barber gave us their love and many icecreams.
Un abrazo from Spain.

Fred Ckark iii

August 30, 2021

WE where buddies, played together in the woods behind his home,build log cabin which was our club house . Will miss him, great friend growing up together at GLP. God Bless Fred Clark iii

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