Joseph "Joey" Barna

May 7, 1963 – October 26, 2025
Joseph "Joey" Barna, 62, of Salem, New Hampshire, formerly of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025. Born in Panama City, Florida, on May 7, 1963,
Joey grew up in Chelmsford and graduated from Nashoba Valley Technical High School, where he studied the sheet metal trade and later served as a teacher's assistant. His career began at Northeast Fabricators as an apprentice in 1981, and over the years he worked with several companies, including Northeast Mechanical, Lowell Sheet Metal, Burlington Mechanical, and Chelmsford Air. His last employment was with GMP Piping, Inc., where he installed and serviced systems for the bio/pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. A skilled HVAC technician, Joey was known for his dedication, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic-true to his self-description as a "worker bee."
Joey lived life with energy and passion. He was an avid rollerblader, a lifelong Beatles and Elvis Presley fan, and a car enthusiast who loved working on his 1968 Firebird. Music was central to his life-he played in several classic rock bands but found his greatest joy performing Christian music. In recognition of his lifelong devotion to music and ministry, Joey received a Doctor of Music degree from Emanuel Baptist University in Tabor City, North Carolina, in October 2022. He served as a music minister at St. Basil's in Methuen, MA, St. Joseph's Church in Salem, NH, and Mary Queen of Peace in Salem, NH, where he was a beloved member of the praise and worship ministry. He also took part in men's Cursillo weekends and deeply valued the friendships and faith community he found there.
In May 2019, Joey married the love of his life, Theresa Catalano. The two shared a deep and joyful bond-riding up the coast after church in his Corvette or Can-Am Spyder, savoring a seafood meal, and laughing together through life's simple pleasures. Joey often serenaded Theresa while playing his guitar, filling their home with music at all hours of the day and night. Together, they cherished their time with family and friends. Joey's warmth, generosity, and ever-present smile touched everyone who knew him. His hugs were as genuine as his gratitude, and his positive spirit never wavered.
Joey is survived by his loving wife, Theresa (Catalano) Barna; his sisters Christine Barna of Chelmsford, MA, and Concetta Knapp and her husband Richard of Pepperell, MA; and his cherished grandchildren, Legacy Sophia Rose Catalano and Jack Parandes-Shope. He was predeceased by his parents, Gaetana and Joseph Barna, his brother Frank Barna, and his late wife, Lilly Barna.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 28, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 40 Main Street, Salem, NH. Entombment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 474 Goffstown Road, Manchester, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joey's memory may be made to Saints Mary and Joseph Parish (Salem, NH), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or St. Basil's Seminary.
Joey's joyful heart, music, and radiant smile will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
Please visit www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com for directions, or to sign the online guest book.
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