Richard B. Barber Sr.

1952 - 2022

Richard "Ollie" B. Barber, Sr., 70 of Colchester, CT passed away Monday, November 14, 2022. He was born in Middletown, CT on November 9, 1952 and raised on Clark Hill in East Hampton, CT. He was the second son of the late Robert and Lucy (Lord) Barber. He grew up surrounded by cousins, who were many times his partners in crime, riding Uncle Lee's cattle and sneaking Grandma Barber's dandelion wine from the cellar. After attending East Hampton schools, he graduated from Salisbury University in 1976, where he met his future wife, Shirley. After a few years he joined his father and Uncle Dave at Pratt & Whitney for employment. This turned into a career of almost 40 years. The Barbers moved to Colchester in 1983, when the kids were young. As a dad, Ollie could be relied on for adventure, whether it was finding swimming holes, picking grapes by the side of the road, or stopping for lunch after a softball game. The annual camping trip for opening day of fishing was a gathering of friends, mostly fathers and the kids. Many of these friends are still as close as family. He loved hunting with his dad, brothers, uncles, and cousins, along with playing setback during the winter months. Spring, summer and fall were devoted to fishing, softball and golfing. After decades playing softball as catcher affected his knees, he turned to coaching. In spite of his knees, he continued golfing. Ollie was a lifetime member of the St. Joseph's Polish Society, where he played cards every week and was on the dart team the last few years. The Club was his second home, where he had many lifelong friends. He is survived by his wife, his children Megan and Rich Obrero, Maureen and Dave Daynard and Richard Barber, Jr. and his grandchildren Lilliana, Isabelle and Niko. He is also survived by his siblings, Rob and Louise Barber, Nancy and Ed Peteja, Ron and Lisa Barber and Randy and Diane Barber, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Noreen and his in-laws, Dick and Mary Lou Malzone. Wherever they are, they are having a drink together. There will be a celebration of life on Friday, December 9, 2022 at the St. Joseph's Polish Society, 395 South Main Street, Colchester, CT. Family hours 4-6PM, Reception 6-9PM. In lieu of flowers or donations, try one of Ollie's favorite things: Take a midnight dip in the neighbor's pool or hot tub. Try your luck on a race, lotto, raffle or football square. Take the long way or back road home. Be a true friend. Generously help someone in need.