Andrew Barber

1933 - 2024

Andrew Barber

June 5, 1933 - December 27, 2024

Hales Corners, Wisconsin - Andrew was called home to heaven on December 27, 2024, at the age of 91 years. He was predeceased by Arlene, his loving wife of 52 years. Cherished father of Kathleen (Thom) Stys, Susan (Bill) Fischer, Deborah (Tim) Hetrick, and Beth Ann (Ed) Pietrzykowski. Loving Grandpa to Aaron (Michelle), Becky (Jaret), Lauren (Nick), Patrick, Ryan, Joe, Katie, Ellie, Tim and Ben. Proud great-grandfather of Grant, Autumn and Leo. Loved by many nieces, nephews and extended family in the United States, Ireland and England. He is also survived by his dear friend, Rose.

Andrew was born to Alexander and Julia Barber in Cobh, County Cork, Ireland. His parents and all nine of his siblings preceded him in death.

Andrew was an extremely intelligent and charismatic man who made friends everywhere he went. He left Ireland at the young age of 14 to attend a military school in England, and then worked a variety of jobs in England and Ireland as a teen to help support his family. He then spent many years sailing the world by working on merchant ships. In 1959, he immigrated to South Bend, Indiana to join two sisters who had previously come to the U.S. He relocated to Milwaukee in the mid-1960s where he found work as a painter and soon after met the love of his life, Arlene. Together, they provided a wonderful example of a loving marriage to their daughters.

Although Andrew was only able to attend formal schooling through the seventh grade, he was a self-educated man with a voracious appetite for reading and learning. A history buff, he often traded books with his dear nephew, Howard McKiernan. He owned successful businesses as a painter, builder, real estate broker and restaurateur.

Andrew and Arlene enjoyed many wonderful trips together throughout the United States and Europe. They also made many visits to family in England and Ireland throughout the years and enjoyed frequent European riverboat cruises. Andrew and Arlene were also blessed to spend their winters in Bradenton, Florida for almost 30 years, enjoying holidays with their devoted niece, Cecilia McKiernan.

Andrew was a friend of Bill W.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. with a mass to follow at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9520 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners WI 53130. If so desired, memorials in Andrew's name to St. Mary's or to Pass It On Club, 6229 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53220, are greatly appreciated.