John Joyce Barker, 90, of Bristol

John Joyce Barker, 90, of Bristol died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017, at his home, surrounded by family.

Born on March 26, 1927, in Newport, he was the son of the late Edwin H. and May (Joyce) Barker. John was a graduate of Rogers High School and Brown University in 1951.  

He soon began a career with the state of Rhode Island in the DCYF program as a social worker.  He retired from the Bristol offices as a casework supervisor after 35 years. John was also a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Panama.

He is a longtime member of St. Michael’s Church in Bristol, where he previously served on the Vestry. He enjoyed classical music, bowling and bocce, was a loyal fan of the Red Sox and Celtics, and was an adventurous traveler.

He is survived by his children, Richard J. Barker of Brewster, Mass., John J. Barker, Jr. of Bristol, and Leslie Ann Barker-Muir of Proctor, Vt.; his dear friend for the last 24 years, Pauline Guigli of Framingham, Mass., and his grandchildren, Emily Espinal of N.C., Alison Barker of Germany, John Barker III of Boston, Emma Barker of Bristol, and Brandon Muir and Meghan A. Muir, both of Proctor, Vt.; and two great-grandchildren, Lilyana and Ernesto Espinal. He also leaves several nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins back in Ireland.

He was the husband of the late Anne (Taber) Barker and brother of the late Howard R. Barker and Edwin H. Barker, and grandfather of the late Asa Barker.

Calling hours are private.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. in St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 399 Hope St., Bristol. His burial will take place in Middletown Cemetery, Turner and Wyatt Road, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Additional information at www.memorialfuneralhome.com