Walter Pop' 'Sonny' T. Barker
Walter 'Pop' 'Sonny' T. Barker, age 90, of New Haven, passed away on July 23, 2013 at Yale New Haven Hospital with his loving family at his side. Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Theodora Rembetsy Barker. Born in New Haven on August 7, 1922 he was a son of the late Walter T. Barker, Sr & Maud Elliott Barker. A 1940 Hillhouse High School graduate, Walter was a WWII Navy Veteran and a retired pipe fitter for Winchester/Olin Corp, where he worked for over 40 years. He enjoyed bowling, and his garden, where he raised his own vegetables to make his famous sweet chili sauce. He was a remarkable man, a member of East Pearl United Methodist Church for many years before its closing. He always put others first, and enjoyed sharing his self-taught knowledge with his grandchildren. A devoted husband and father, he leaves his children, Martha J. Brown & her husband Richard of Branford, Diane Carpenter & her husband Robert of Madison, Walter T. Barker III & his wife Linda of Barnard, VT and William E. Barker & his wife Lisa of East Haven; grandchildren, Rachel (Jeremy) Cupps, Christine & Daniel Carpenter and Michele, Zackery, Blake & Colin Barker; sister Jean L. Hanley of Hamden; brothers in-law Peter Rembetsy of Milford & Christie Rembetsy of Marlborough, MA; sister in-law Gloria Elliott of Hamden and several nieces & nephews. Walter was predeceased by his sister, Rosolia C. Barker; brothers & sisters in-law, John E. & Jean Barker, Donald A. & Norma Barker, Frank & Jean Elliott, William Elliott & brother in-law Walter Hanley. A special thank you to The Guilford House in Guilford, CT where so many caregivers took excellent care of 'Pop' during the last two months. Friends may visit with his family on Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden and may attend his Funeral Service on Saturday at 10:30 AM directly at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 458 Forbes Ave, New Haven. Burial with Military Honors will follow in East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. Contributions in Walter's memory may be made to the American Heart Assoc - 5 Brookside Dr, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church - 458 Forbes Ave, NH, CT 06513.
Bill and family, Prayers and condolences to you at this time.
Dearest M.J., my cherished friend: I have just read your email Thursday morn. I am so shocked to learn that Pop has left us. I know how much in pain both you, Dick, your brothers and sister are at the moment. God bless your mother. Despite diminished health, Pop was such an alert, humorous, participant in life. Your humor originates from him. I have heard witty, comic stories about Pop since meeting your parents over 40 years ago. I will always remember some of the hysterical stories you have told me concerning Pop in recent years…..and the difficulties. Please believe that he is now in perfect health and wit in Heaven….with the best company. He will be well and happy……but not in his favorite chair at home. I will say many prayers for his happiness eternally and many more for you and the family to grieve and learn to live without him. I love you, M.J.
Diane and family, My heart goes out to you after the loss of your Dad. God gives us so many gifts during our journey on earth; gifts that we love and nurture; some that we keep and some we have to return. Although your heart is heavy right now, rest assured that your Dad is with Jesus and you will see him again. May God and all the angels be with you and your family during this time. God Bless. your sister in Christ, Karen Riccio
Uncle Walt will always be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and sense of fairness ….He will be missed by all…. The Rembetsy Family, Michael, Jonathan, Rosemary and Peter