John E. Barker, Sr.
Barker, John E Sr. On June 12th 2010, John (Jack) E. Barker Sr. 85, of Eldridge St. New Haven passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Devoted husband of the late Jean E. Barker for 63 years. Loving father of Carolyn (James) Stephenson of Madison, John (Lynn) Barker Jr. of New Haven, Thomas (Betsy) Barker Sr. of Hamden, Janet (Robert) Baldino of Woodstock, Michelle (Michael) Calini of Clinton, and Leslie (David) Crescenzi of New Haven. Brother of Jean Hanley, Walter (Dotty) Barker; and the late Rosolia Barker, Donald (Norma) Barker, Frank (Jean) Elliott, and William Elliott. Brother-in-law of Myra Schrump, Gloria Elliott, and the late Lois (Harold) Ivey, Walter Hanley, and Leroy Schrump. Also survived by him are his cherished grandchildren Christopher Stephenson; Caitlin, Rebecca, and Thomas Jr. Barker; Danielle, Juliana, Jeremy, and Nathan Calini; Jenni, Stephanie, and Robert Baldino; Joshua Crescenzi; great grandchildren Alyssa, and Grayson Stephenson, and many nieces and nephews. John was born in New Haven, CT on April 2, 1925, son of the late Walter and Maude (Elliott) Barker. He attended Woodward and Lincoln Elementary Schools, Bassett Junior High School and Boardman Trade High School. Jack worked many years as a printer for Wilson H. Lee before retiring from H. B. Ives in New Haven. Throughout the years Jack was involved in various organizations including the Southern Connecticut Antique Bottle Club and Masonic Lodge. He spent many days combing the beaches at Hammonasset and Lighthouse looking for treasures with his metal detector. He had fond memories of all the scenic drives and camping trips he shared with Jean, along with an occasional stop at the casino. He was notorious for 'dropping in' for surprise visits to friends and family. Affectionately called 'P' he loved to entertain his grandchildren with his silly jokes, songs, and poems that he wrote at Christmas. He will always be fondly remembered for his annual Easter Egg Hunts that he and Jean hosted at their home. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 23 at 2:00pm at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-8:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CT Hospice of Branford, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or the East Haven Animal Shelter, 183 Commerce Street, East Haven, CT 06512.
Dear Leslie and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish I could have come to the services tonight but was unable to make it due to prior commmitments. Your Dad was one of the coolest guys Ive ever known, and reflecting upon him and your mother, Ive realized just how many of the things today that I love, think and do have been infuluenced by your parents and you. Those memories, and qualities, I will always cherish. Sending each of you my deepest sympathy. Much Love Always…Peggy