Reginald James Barker
1919 – 2018
Holyoke – Reginald James Barker, 98, died Wednesday surrounded by his family. Reginald was a true
gentleman that was devoted to his family and will be remembered for his love, strength, and guidance.
He was born and educated in London, England before moving to the Fairview section of Chicopee where
he resided for 44 years. Reginald also lived in South Hadley and Holyoke. He retired from Philip Hano
Business Forms after 35 years. He attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Holyoke and was a former
member of the Tiger's Club. Reginald served in the British Royal Navy from 1939-1946. During WWII he
served in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea on the HMS Pegasus aircraft carrier and the HMS
Pandora and HMS Sea Wolf Submarines. Reginald is now reunited with his beloved wife of 72 years, Edna
(Helliwell) Barker. He is also predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Minnie (Giles) Barker, brothers
Leslie Barker and Victor (Joe) Barker of London England, and daughter-in-law Gayle Barker. He leaves
behind his son, Thomas Barker and wife Relina; two daughters and their husbands; Pamela and William
Phelps, and Jane and Glenn Demers. He leaves eight grandchildren; Tamara Dumas, Daniel (Michelle)
Phelps, Kerry (James Bachand) Smith, Matthew (Kristine) Phelps, Meredith (Bryan) Fisher, Katelyn (Eric)
Feins, Kellie (Matthew) Tyburski, and Zachary Barker. Reginald leaves fourteen great grandchildren; Haley
and Jadyn Dumas and their father David Dumas; Sara, Megan and Evan Phelps; Madison and Morganne
Phelps; Anthony and Ciara Smith and their father Jeffrey Smith; Reid and Mallory Fisher; Jocelyn Feins;
Noah and Joseph Tyburski and one child on the way. He also leaves several nieces and nephews including
Pearson Hellliwell and William (Carole) Helliwell. The family would like to thank Loomis House for all the
love and support they gave Reginald and Dr. William Mugg for his dedication and care. The funeral will
be Monday at 10 am from the Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley followed by a
service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Holyoke at 11 am. Calling hours are Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
Burial is at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to Loomis House Friendship
Fund, 298 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040, or to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St.,
Springfield, MA 01104 or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 485 Appleton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For more
information please go to curranobrien.com.
