Herbert Barker

BARKER, HERBERT LOUIS Herbert Louis Barker of Branford, Connecticut, 88, died peacefully at Connecticut Hospice on Monday, February 27, 2012. Herbert was born in his parents' home in Branford on January 21, 1924, the younger son of Bertram and Olive (Rose) Barker. He was predeceased by his brother Harold. Herbert graduated from Branford High School in 1942 and proudly served in the Army Air Corp during WWII, attached to the 16th Bomber Group serving in the Pacific theater. Upon his return from the Pacific, he enrolled in the University of Connecticut at Storrs where he earned a degree in Agriculture. He met "Peg" (Margaret Louise) Benedict, at a square dance and married her on July 28, 1947. The Barker family owned and operated Branford Dairy, Inc. for many years, bottling and delivering milk to the customer's door and to local schools. Herbert was a family man and very much loved his wife of 51 years and his six children. His love of sports and sense of humor was passed on to his children who will miss his warm smile and quick wit. In 1972 he and Peg moved to South Wallingford, Vermont and opened The Green Mountain Tea Room, a bed and breakfast which they operated until their retirement. After Peg's death in 1998, Herbert then settled for a time in Lake Worth, Florida before returning to Branford where he resided with his son Rick and family until his death. Herbert leaves behind five sons: Robert L. Barker and his wife Ruth Anne of Wallingford, Vermont; Donald and Thomas Barker of Rutland, Vermont; Richard Barker and his wife Lynda of Branford, Connecticut; Kenneth Barker of Bristol, Vermont; and one daughter Karen Kalfas and her husband Mark of Margate, Florida; three grandchildren, Zea Barker of Brooklyn, New York, Devyn Barker of New York City, and Darren Barker of Branford. As well as his loyal beloved golden retriever Molly. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Connecticut Hospice for their wonderful care, love, and friendship. Also a special thanks to Jane Jacobson for her friendship and care she provided during the last nine years. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 24th at 11:00 at the First Congregational Church of Branford. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts in Herbert's name be given to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, Connecticut 06405