David Barnicle Obituary
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He leaves his beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia M. (Ford) Barnicle; his three daughters, Anne-Marie Adamson and her husband David of Freedom, ME, Kristina Ward and her husband Dana of Dorchester, NH and Laura McHugh and her husband Andrew of Sturbridge; his eight grandchildren, Charles Frey, Mary Kathryn Bennett, Emma Pender, Suzanna Moses, Nicholas Moses, Grace McHugh, Eamon McHugh and Quinn McHugh and many great grandchildren.
David was born in Fitchburg, MA and was predeceased by his parents, Walter Barnicle and Lillian (Lamoureux) Upfield and his step-father, Murry Upfield. David graduated with a Master's Degree in Science from Framingham State University and became a Biology teacher at Natick High School. During this time he coached collegiate soccer at both Holy Cross and Babson College. David settled with his family in Sturbridge in 1980 to start a job in the sales department at United Lens Co. He owned and operated DMB Technical Optics Inc. in Sturbridge for over 20 years prior to retiring several years ago.
Throughout his life, David was an environmental activist. He served on the Sturbridge Conservation Commission for 25 years, helped create and was the Chairperson of Friends of Sturbridge Trails (FroST). David loved shell fishing on Martha's Vineyard where he and his wife owned a home for 20 years. He could often be seen giving an impromptu lecture on the beach to a group of children. He was an avid soccer fan, and spent many hours cheering on Manchester City. David loved big family gatherings, gardening, reading, playing the bass and listening to foot stomping music- especially Celtic.
Calling hours for David will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3rd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.
Graveside Services and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: The Sturbridge Trails (Trails Gift Account) Town of Sturbridge, ATTN: Finance Department, 308 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA 01566.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Eric Brown MD
December 16, 2022
I am sad to hear of David´s passing. I was a student in David´s 1st year teaching biology at Wilson Jr High School in Natick. David was an incredibly passionate, engaging teacher who made biology exiting and spurred many of us to careers in the science field. I went on to medical school and 40 years as a Family Physician faculty teaching countless medical students and over 350 residents in Maine. I often thought of "Mr Barnicle" hoping I could channel his teaching skill by hoping to engage and challenge all those learners with relevant larger world questions with even 1/2 his exuberance and passion. So David payed it forward more than he ever knew. In the past few years I called a few times and left voice messages which I hoped he received. My condolences and best wishes to David´s family.
Chris and Nancy Sweeney
October 30, 2022
We liked David very much for his talent, energy, knowledge, story telling ability, acceptance to all, sense of humor and admiration for all things natural .
Peace, David.
David Schneider
October 30, 2022
My most sincere condolences for your loss. I was fortunate to have David or Mr. Barnicle as we called him then as my 9th grade science teacher at Wilson Jr High in Natick and as our soccer coach. When we moved up to Natick High School he moved with my class and he was our soccer coach and one of the most significant influences in my life that have lasted to this day. He taught us and motivated us to take care of our planet, a lesson my kids have had instilled in them. A few years ago I located him and had a very nice email exchange with him to acknowledge him for who he was and the very important role he played in my life. He will be missed.
Class of 1973 NHS
David Schneider
Frank Daigle
October 30, 2022
My condolences to the Barnicle family. Please know that "Mr Banicle" was the most amazing teacher ever. I had him in my mind just last week! It was when I had fruit flies I my house, of all things. (Long story) It makes me laugh inside to remember him now, 48 years ago, because he was such a funny man with a big heart. He will be missed by the world.
Frank Daigle class of 1974. RIP Mr. B
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Lynn Krager
October 29, 2022
Mr Barnacle made Biology Fun! He had a kind but firm talent of teaching. Go teach the other side. R.I.P. God Bless You, your family and friends
Annie Hurwitz
October 29, 2022
My condolences to you Mrs. Barnicle, and to your family. When I think of Mr Barnicle, I think of him smiling, he always seemed to be having fun! Sending a hug to you all. I´m very sorry for your loss.
Kathryn Tinsler Morris
October 29, 2022
Mr. Barnicle sparked my love for the environment and all of nature. Class of 73
Joan linsky
October 29, 2022
One of my favorite teachers!!!
Joanie Sigalove Linsky
Class of 70 NHS
Janet Jensen
October 29, 2022
Mr Barnicle was the best teacher I ever had. Back in 1972 he made learning fun and opened my eyes to environmental causes. I think of him often with a smile on my face. Sorry for your loss.
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