John A. Barber

John A. Barber

EAST GREENWICH, RI John A. Barber passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 4, 2025. John was the life of the party and a compassionate and generous soul.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. In addition to hosting regular Sunday dinners, he was quick to plan a celebration for events big and small. He was always available to answer the calls of his children and grandchildren, respond to questions about the weather, provide us with life advice and give anyone a ride.

He blessed our family in recent years with several family vacations where we explored places on his bucket list. John enjoyed regular calls and visits from his brothers and sisters and his belly laugh could often be heard throughout his house. He made friends wherever he went and was faithful about keeping in touch with them. He loved getting together with his family and many friends, and kept us entertained with calls and text messages, especially after he learned to use emojis.

John was a food connoisseur and frequented restaurants where he always made friends with the staff. John was a graduate of West Warwick High School (68) and Providence College (74). He began his career at Almacs before moving on to Old Stone and Fleet Banks and eventually started his own business, John Barber & Company, in 1985.

John enjoyed travelling the country for work, visiting 47 of the 50 states. He often spoke of the excitement of putting together deals and the fascinating people he met while traveling.

John was an avid golfer and was particularly proud of winning the RIGA 4 Ball Championship with his brother Paul in 1999 and having 2 holes in one. He joined the Potowomut Golf Club in 1979 where he forged many friendships. John continued to play golf throughout his life and shared his love of the sport with his wife, children, and

grandchildren. In the winter, John shifted his focus to PC Basketball where he held season tickets for decades. He followed the team to the Final Four in 1987 and was in attendance for countless games around the world. John volunteered at Button Hole, working with veterans and San Miguel students. He was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and loved playing scrabble with his wife.

John was the son of the late Dr. Paul E. Barber, Sr. and Josephine (Gregoire). He is survived by his wife Barbara, his best friend through fifty-five years of marriage, his children, Jennifer Makin (David), Kristen Hinson, John J. Barber and his grandchildren, Cassidy Kosh, William Hinson and Alexander Hinson. John was one of 8 children including Gregory Barber, Paul Barber, Jr., Claudia Greene and Kim Barber. He was predeceased by Deborah Grandchamp, Heidi Austin and Jill Legault.

His funeral will be held on Friday January 10, 2025, at 11:15 at the Carpenter Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 pm at Christ the King Church, 124 Legris Avenue, West Warwick. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 4-7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Friends Way, 765 West Shore Road, Warwick, RI 02889 and Button Hole Golf Course, 1 Buttonhole Dr, Providence, RI 02909 Please Visit www.carpenterjenks.com for online condolences.