Joseph A. "Joe" Barkowski III

Joseph A. Barkowski III, known affectionately to all as Joe, left this world on January 27, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after a valiant battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Born on December 17, 1958, in the historic coastal city of Newburyport, Massachusetts, Joe was a man whose laughter and kindness deeply touched all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Joe was the cherished son of the late Joseph A. Barkowski Jr. of Ipswich and the late Dorothy Barkowski, also of Ipswich. His presence will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife, Janice Carney, and his loving siblings: brother Ronald Barkowski and his wife Diane, sisters Diane Veno and her late husband Tom, Pamela Barkowski and her husband Brian Sarro, and sister Sharon Barkowski. He was father to his children, Lori Gaudet and her husband Doug, Joseph A. Barkowski IV, and Jessica Ortins and her husband Matt. His joy was multiplied by his grandchildren, Les Paul Gaudet and Tessa Gaudet, Joe also leaves behind a close-knit family of several nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

A proud graduate of Ipswich High School, Joe's work ethic and skill as a machinist were evident throughout his long-standing career with the United Shoe Manufacturing in Beverly. He also brought smiles and entertainment to many during his years at the Bowl-O-Mat in Beverly and The Metro Bowl in Peabody. Joe's professional life was marked not only by diligence and expertise but also by the friendships he forged and the lives he brightened along the way.

Outside of work, Joe was a man of many passions. He was an exquisite cook, known for his backyard barbecues where the aroma of grilling would beckon friends and family to gather and share in good food and laughter. His annual trips to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic with his wife, family, and friends were eagerly anticipated events, filled with joy and the creation of cherished memories.

In his younger years, Joe found solace and adventure in fishing alongside his father, big Joe, and his partner in crime, Teddy Christopher.

Joe's sense of humor was infectious; he had an innate ability to find the funny in the everyday and to share that gift generously with others. His kindness was boundless, his courage unwavering. Joe faced life's challenges with a steadfast heart, and in doing so, taught those around him the meaning of resilience and grace.

As we bid farewell to Joe, we celebrate a life lived with joy, a heart given freely to others, and a legacy of warmth and laughter that will continue to resonate in the lives of those he loved. Though he has left our sight, the essence of who Joe was - funny, kind, and courageous - will forever be etched in our memories and stories, to be recounted with smiles and a fondness that transcends time.

Joseph A. Barkowski III leaves behind a world brighter for his presence and a circle of family and friends who will honor his memory by living with the same generosity of spirit that he embodied every day.

Visitation on Thursday from 2:30pm - 5:30pm ( see below )

In lieu of flowers kindly consider making a donation in Joe's name to a charity that is meaningful to you.