Neill Barker

Neill McIntyre Barker, age 88, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Shirley by his side on February 6th. He was born to William G. & Gladys M. Barker on November 21, 1934, in Summit, NJ. He was preceded in death by his brothers David & Pete. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley V. Barker, his daughter Alyson Barker Korman (John) and son Todd Barker.  He graduated from Dartmouth College where he was a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity, the glee club, rugby team and ROTC. After graduation he went into the Air Force where he was pilot flying reconnaissance missions along the Berlin border. He was discharged with a rank of Captain. Upon returning to the states, he started a 30+ year career with PPG Industries living in NYC where he also joined the NY Rugby Club. He continued playing on that team for many years. At one of these games is where he met the love of his life, Shirley Vierstra. After a brief courtship, they were married and settled in Watertown NY, the first of several career moves. Flying was a lifelong passion for Neill that he extended well past his Air Force Days. He became a small craft pilot and flew hundreds of trips around the country or just out for the day. He always welcomed a number of companions to join him. His volunteer career began well before his retirement. He was actively involved as a youth coach and certified soccer referee, the board and eventual president of the Sewickley Valley YMCA, a 44-year member of Sewickley Heights Golf Club, 40+ years with the Sewickley Presbyterian Church choir, 17+ years with the choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL, and 17+ years with the Lee County Volunteer Sheriff’s department. One of his main passions while living in their Edgeworth home was maintaining the area in the pastures and around Little Sewickley Creek that ran thru their property so that children and families could enjoy playing in the creek.  Neill’s memorial service will be on Saturday Feb 25th at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church at 1:00. Reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sewickley Valley YMCA or the Pittsburgh Parkinson’s Foundation.

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