Thomas Richard Barnes

Thomas Richard "Tom" Barnes, 78, of Neshannock Township, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on the evening of October 14, 2025.

Born on February 5, 1947, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Tom was the son of the late William A. and Katherine (Gaertner) Barnes. On August 12, 1972, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Lee Syme. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, filled with faith, love, and laughter. She survives him.

A man of deep faith and quiet strength, Tom devoted his life to helping and serving others. He served as a Supervising Counselor at the New Castle Youth Development Center for 40 years, and as YDC Shop Steward for PSSU (now SEIU Local 668). His compassion and leadership at YDC touched countless young people and colleagues. He earned his bachelor's degree from Waynesburg College, his master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and later achieved his Ph.D. in both Counseling and Psychology from Regent University-an accomplishment that reflected his lifelong love of learning and commitment to service.

To everyone who knew him, Tom was the person you could count on-steady, kind, and full of heart. He was an active member of his church, where he faithfully served as treasurer and Board Member. He was also a committed AA sponsor, guiding people with compassion and wisdom, always ready to offer encouragement and support to anyone in need. Whether he was fixing something around the house, offering a word of encouragement, or quietly helping someone in need, Tom lived his life by example-a true servant leader.

His greatest joy, however, was his family. Nothing made him prouder than being a husband and father.

In addition to his beloved wife, Bonnie, Tom is survived by his daughters, Stacy L. Barnes of Los Angeles, California, and Tammy A. Barnes of Washington, D.C.; and his son, Stephen T. Barnes of Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Barnes, and his cousins, Peggy Brown and Robert Wolfe. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00 p.m., led by Pastor Scott Benka.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those whose lives were touched by Tom to honor his memory by paying it forward and living as he did: love and serve others selflessly, be kind and compassionate to those who are suffering, listen with care, and lend a helping hand to those in need. Tom's legacy will live on in the many lives he touched, and in the love, he gave so freely to those around him.