John E. Barbour, Sr.
John E. Barbour Sr. passed away peacefully Wednseday March 8, 2017 at the age of 86.
He was born on February 21, 1931 in Boston. John was a devoted husband and father of six, married to his childhood sweetheart the late Marilyn Barbour for sixty years. John was also an artist, illustrator, photographer, teacher, and an avid stamp collector. He was born and raised in Boston and was first introduced to art at the Children’s Art Center in the South End. While in High School, he participated in special art extension courses at the Massachusetts College of Art and the Museum School of Art.
During the sixties he worked as a photographer and cartoonist on the staff of the Boston Sun Newspaper. A newspaper, dedicated to reporting on civil rights, school integration and community exploitation, and shedding light on the social and civil rights problems on the national level.
From 1960 through 1966, John was the art director at Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Museum at Regis College in Weston, Mass. In 1962, he designed and installed the museums’ display at the Vatican Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair.
In 1970, he was commissioned to produce over 200 illustrations for a film on the history of Africa that was later shown on educational television. He also taught courses in graphic design and production, as part of an adult career changing program.
John was a charter member, and past vice president of the Boston Afro-American Artist Association, on the board of S.P.A.C. E., an Arts Cultural organization and a member of the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association. His work has been exhibited in many public group shows as has been displayed in public venues such as the Boston Public Library at Copley Square. John’s works are also in private collections.
John continued to create artwork in his later years. In his spare time he enjoyed teaching chess and art to his grandchildren and passing on his words of wisdom and vast knowledge.
Son of the late Sarah Doley and John M. Barbour, the beloved husband of the late Marilyn “Betty” Barbour, devoted father of children Laura R. Dunkley and her two children Marilyn and Michael Jr., Steven M. Barbour his wife Cynthia and their three children Steven Jr., Justin and Ashley, Ellen E. Evans her husband Charles Evans and their son Zachary Evans, Shirley E. Barbour her children Christopher and Taylor and her wife Rachael Berry, and Charles M. Barbour and the late John E. Barbour Jr., his common law wife Regina Randolph, their children Aaron Barbour, his wife Auburnee, their three children Marquis, Aaron, and Alijah; and their son Andre Barbour, brother to the late Shirley Gulfield, and uncle to Kenneth, Donald, Walter, Eric and Cheryl Gulfield.
Funeral service in Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, Saturday, March 18 at 11 o’clock. Visiting hour 10 – 11 am. Interment Mt Hope Cemetery, Boston.
Guestbook Entries
Ellen, Rick and Zach,
My heart goes out to each of you during this very difficult time. May all of the fond memories of your father, the love and grace of God give you the strength you need to endure. My prayer it that God grants you that piece that surpasses all understanding. Blessings! We love you!
Portia
Offering my sincere condolences to John’s family. He was a great artist and friend whom I met thru the Boston Afro-American Artist Association. May his family keep his memory alive by doing something tangible with his amazing artwork.
In Sympathy…
Barbara Ward
Though I never met Papa, I’ve heard great stories about him through Taylor. My heart goes out to all family and friends. After the tears dry and the goodbyes are said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us. Papa is no exception, I will always remember him in spirit and for the love he gave his family. I give my sincere condolences to Taylor’s family. Papa, may you rest in heavenly paradise. <3