Dr. Roger L. Barker

80, of Narragansett passed away peacefully at his home on April 8, 2022 after a year of declining health. Born in Berthoud, CO, he was a son of the late Homer M. and Norabelle (Griffey) Barker. He married the self-proclaimed, "saint-of-a-woman", Dr. Mary M. Versteck, in 1978.
Roger graduated from Loveland (CO) High School, Phillips University (M. Div.) and Columbia University (Ed. D.). He was a chaplain at the University of Oklahoma, and subsequently a professor at Kent State (OH), and Assumption College (MA). He was the treatment director for the Broward County (FL) Alcohol Rehabilitation Center; later he served as clinical director at Brownlee, Dolan, and Stein in New York City. Ultimately, he held the position of vice president at Charles Nechtem Associates (FL), for 30 years continuing to be productive right up until the time of his death.
Roger enjoyed golf, gardening, and not retiring. He deeply appreciated a well-made bed and the effectiveness of a dust-buster. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of cars, a knowledge put to good use when he caught "chrome fever" eventuating in a purchase. Roger enjoyed both dining out and cooking in. His specialties included meals reminiscent of his native Colorado: chili, frittatas, and anything off the grille. Though Roger was a home body, he travelled regularly to Florida with occasional forays to Colorado and Europe. Roger loved each of his kitties and Mary knew better than to ever ask him to choose between her and them!
Roger also leaves his daughter, Dr. Jennifer L. (Peter) Dalton of Hudson, MA; two brothers, Timothy (Nancy) Barker of Loveland, CO and Michael Barker of MO; he was the brother of the late Merle Barker. He leaves many nieces and nephews including Dawn Zakanyck and Tim Barker.
The family is grateful to the capable and caring nursing staff of the South County Hospital Cancer Center.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his VISITING HOURS Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 3-5pm in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory – SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Esperanza Academy, 198 Garden Street, Lawrence, MA 01840 (esperanzaacademy.org).