Gerald Oscar Barker, 80, a resident of Hopewell Junction since 1979 and previously of Putnam Lake and Yonkers, died on December 31, 2020 at home. Born on June 19, 1940 in Yonkers, Gerry was the son of Oscar David and Catherine Maria (Flynn) Barker.
Gerry attended Commerce High School in Yonkers, Westchester Community College and Pace University. On April 20, 1963 at Sacred Heart Church in Yonkers, Gerry married the love of his life, Eileen Crosson, who survives at home.
To begin their life together, Gerry purchased his grandfather’s bungalow in Putnam Lake and transformed it into the family home, literally raising the roof and building everything inside himself. Gerry worked as a Systems Analyst for IBM in Hopewell Junction for 32 years until his retirement in 1992. Gerry was a parishioner of St. Columba Church where he proudly served as a long-time usher. He was also a member of Sacred Heart Holy Name Society in Patterson, Putnam Lake Community Center, and Putnam Lake Athletic Club which he helped create. He was an avid Yankee fan who left a legacy of kindness, involvement and was always eager to lend a helping hand. Gerry was the son of two generations of plumbers and the son- in-law of an electrician. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty and taught his children and grandchildren to do the same. He was an active member of whatever community he was a part of and would willingly give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He participated in scouting and coached many sports teams. Gerry helped establish leagues and new teams where there weren’t others available. He loved nature and was always surrounded by animals, many of which were rescues or otherwise searched him out. Dog, cat, duck, goose... it didn’t matter. He would take you in. Gerry established an incredible and lasting set of friends wherever he went. His most notable friendship was with Peter Carey, his best friend for over 60 years.
The Barker and Carey clans have been an extended family ever since. He was a surrogate father to many, including Cindy Barker, Brian Callahan, Lisa Barker, Mark Watt, Jay Crosson and Bruno Virgilio.
In addition to his wife, Gerry is survived by his children, Michael Barker and partner Kelly Repinz of Pleasant Valley, Brian Barker and his wife Karen of LaGrange, Tricia Watt of Hopewell Junction, Brian Callahan of South Carolina; his grandchildren, Kelsey Barker, Katie and Meghan Barker, Zachary, Michael and Benjamin Watt; his cousins, Geraldine Johnson, George Barker and Donald Flynn, as well as his sisters-in-law, his brother-in-law, nieces, nephew and many other cherished cousins. In addition to his parents, Gerry was predeceased by his brother, Ronald S. Barker; his cousins, Oscar Barker and Phil Karpinsky, as well as William Crosson, James Crosson and Joan Barker.
Calling hours will be held on Friday from 3:30 -6:30pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment at St. Denis Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, St. Columba Church, Make-A-Wish or any charity close to your heart. When the opportunity to lend a helping hand arises, please think of Gerry and seize it. Please visit Gerry’s Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com
PLEASE NOTE: In compliance with NYS guidelines, social distancing and face masks will be required. Since capacity may be limited, all attendees should be prepared for potential extended waiting periods.