Joseph E. Barton, 88, of Manchester, died at the Elliot Hospital on March 30, 2015 after a period of declining health. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by those he dearly loved with his wife of 66 years holding his hand. He was born in Manchester on January 15, 1927 the son of the late Raymond and Mary (Walsh) Barton and was a lifelong resident of the Queen City. He was educated in the local school system and was a graduate of Hesser Business College. He was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Litchfield.
Joe served his country proudly as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953 and was a combat veteran during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Teamsters Local 633 and prior to his retirement had worked at various trucking companies in the Manchester area including Quinn Freight Lines and Holmes Transportation. Feeling too young to retire entirely, he worked at AAA Travel and Equifax.
Joe met his lifelong sweetheart, Gloria, while they were kids in school and in their youth they worked together as an usher and a popcorn girl at several downtown movie theaters including the Palace, King and the Strand. They married in 1949 and started their family several years later. Joe’s family was the focus of his life and he was dedicated to their care and well-being. He had a beautiful sense of humor which he imparted to his children and grandchildren. He loved to put a smile on someone’s face by sharing a story or buying a special something, including a red convertible for his wife. Joe took great pride in his home and gardens. He could fix anything and grow anything. His transplants of perennials, trees and shrubs adorn yards all over south Manchester and Bedford. He was also a man especially comfortable in the company of good dogs.
Joe will be remembered for always doing the right thing. He loved to help and make others happy-especially his family. He was so proud of each of them. We were all so fortunate to have spent so many good years with him and will miss him dearly.
Members of his family include his wife of 66 years Gloria (Gareri) Barton of Manchester, his son Anthony Barton of Ft. Collins, CO, his two daughters Mary Barton and her husband Karl Berardi of Bedford and Catherine McCaig and her spouse Tina Peel of Manchester, his grandchildren Shauna Barton, Michael Barton, Samantha McCaig and Joseph McCaig and his great granddaughter Taylor Fornander as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins and his beloved granddogs Lucky, Sadie and Lexi.
Visitation was held on Friday April 3 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the McHugh Funeral Home 283 Hanover St. corner of Beech St. in Manchester. A Funeral Service followed at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Joe’s name be made to the Animal Rescue League of NH 545 Route 101 Bedford, NH 03110 or to the Alzheimer’s Association 166 So. River Rd. Suite 210 Bedford, NH 03110.
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