John D. Barker, age 91, of Seymour, entered eternal rest on July 16, 2024, at his home in Seymour, with his loving family by his side, exactly the way he hoped to leave this earth. He was the beloved husband of sixty-four years to the late Nicolina “Nikki” Gugliuzza Barker. He missed her every day since she has been gone.
John was born in Milford, CT, on September 18, 1932, and was the son of the late Elliot Barker. A longtime resident of Seymour, John was employed as a yardman for Suburban Propane in Derby for twenty-seven years until his retirement in 1994. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
John was friendly and social, and was known around town. He was a beekeeper, a gardener, a reader, and an avid puzzler. Most of all, he was a hard-worker and excellent provider, and never one to sit still very long. He loved to brag about his family, and they love to brag about him. Most recently, as his body grew more tired, over a hundred friends and family traveled from near and far to stop in to say their goodbyes. His impact and legacy will be held dear by those blessed enough to have known him. He was and is, so very loved.
John leaves to cherish his memory, his two sons, Pastor David J. Barker (Marianne) of Seymour, CT, and Pastor Jeffrey A. Barker (Maryrose) of Newmanstown, PA. He leaves one cherished daughter and care-taker, Cheryl-Ann Muzyka (Steven) of Seymour. John also leaves his two sisters whom he loved deeply, Ms. Elsie Roman of West Haven, and Ms. Kathleen Vecca of Waterbury, and his beloved sister-in-law, Jacqueline Ciminera.
He was “Papa” to twenty grandchildren (and their spouses), and forty-five great-grandchildren. He was “Uncle John” to several nieces and nephews, all whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by three brothers: William Barker, Robert Barker, and Raymond Ericson, and one sister: Mae Daikus.
Friends and relatives are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Friday, August 2nd, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., at River Valley Baptist Church, 355 Main Street in Ansonia, CT. At 6:00 p.m., a memorial service in celebration of John’s life will take place also in the church. He will be privately entombed with full U.S. Air Force military honors, in the columbarium in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby.
And to all this ruckus, he would say, “I’ll be darned!” The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME in Ansonia has been privileged with the arrangements. Contributions in John’s memory may be made directly to the River Valley Baptist Church. To sign John’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit,
www.spinelliricciutifh.com.…
