John I. Barr
John Ignatius Barr Jr., passed away peacefully on Sunday May 24, 2020.
John was born September 4, 1925 in Verona, PA. John’s parents, John I. Barr, Sr. and Theresa (Taylor) Barr started their young family while John Sr. was on a temporary assignment in Pennsylvania for Gulf Oil’s Boston office. John was raised in Roxbury, attended Abby May and Dudley Elementary Schools, the James P. Timilty Junior High the Mechanic Arts High School. John proudly withdrew from high school to enlist in the Marines Corps during World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre. After completion of WWII, John returned to Boston where he enrolled at Boston Teachers College, earning both Bachelor and Masters Degrees.
John moved to Quincy in 1951 and taught at Archbishop Williams High School for two years before beginning a 35-year career with the Boston Public Schools as a teacher and administrator. Upon completion of his Boston Public Schools career, he commenced a position as a Veterans Administration real estate appraiser.
In 2001 John retired and renewed his interest in reading mysteries and poetry. John will be remembered for his eternal optimism, positive spirit, love of woodworking and summers on Cape Cod.
John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Grace (Shea) Barr, his children, John Barr and Sheila Barr, both of Plymouth, Mary Viseckas and Brendan Barr, both of New York and Justin Barr of Quincy, three granddaughters and one great grandson. John is predeceased by his parents, five siblings and his late wife Jean (Bowen).
Visiting hours and Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Mary’s Church, Quincy will be private. Interment Mount Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy.
The family respectfully requests no flowers. As an expression of sympathy for those who wish, memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to the Thomas Crane Public Library Foundation, 40 Washington St., Quincy, MA 02169.
Guestbook Entries
I don’t know you I’m so sorry to hear about your husband passing you Are all in my prays may god be with you and your family always remember the good times you had with him
Grace, Justin, Brendan and family, We were saddened to learn of John’s passing. My parents treasured their friendship with John and you Grace and have so many happy and funny memories. We are thinking of you at this sad time and hold you all in our hearts.
Love, The Mullen and Donovan families
Grace & family, I am saddened to learn of John’s passing. I’ll always have happy memories of John when I was in his company. My prayers are with you at this time. John was a pleasure to know, a true gentleman.
Dear Grace & family,
We are so sorry to read about John’s passing. Remembering all the happy times with Joe & Josephine.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you!
John, so sorry to hear about your father. My deepest condolences on your loss. I will include him in my prayers. Your friend, Leo
Dear Grace and all,
I am saddened to hear of Uncle John’s passing. My thoughts are with you all at this especially difficult time. Love, Kate
We were very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was one of the best and a truly nice person. We will keep him in our prayers. Much love. Pat and Joe
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a wonderful, wonderful neighbor on Puritan Lane in Dennis Port. He certainly is missed.
Joanna
Condolences to the Barr family from your distant Barr cousins.
Diane Bennett
Stoney Creek
Ontario
Canada