Edward (Ed) P. Barber (49) died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday July 17, 2021.
Born in Pawtucket, RI on 02/08/1972 to the late George W. Barber, Sr. (East Providence, RI) and Frances Gallegos (Clovis, NM). Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Kristin (nee: Mello) Barber; sons Edward P. Barber, Jr. (wife Rachel) of Warwick, RI; Craig Montecalvo of Dorchester, MA; the true light of his life, his granddaughter, Jessica Barber and his Pups Gryffindor and Sookie.
Ed leaves behind his maternal grandmother, Rose Beltran Gallegos; mother, Frances Gallegos; and brother, George W. Barber, Jr. of Clovis, NM, and his sister, Mary Barber Ramos (Husband Carlos) of Pawtucket, RI as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends from Rhode Island and New Mexico.
A lifelong resident of Rhode Island, Edward attended Frances J. Varier Elementary of Pawtucket, Yucca Jr. High School of Clovis New Mexico and graduated from the Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket. After High School, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corp.
It is no surprise, that with his kind heart and caring nature that Ed was employed for 10 years at the Judge Rotenberg Educational Center in Canton, Massachusetts caring for adolescents and young adults with developmental and emotional disabilities. Following this he worked at O2 Safe Solutions for many years.
Ed was an avid lover of all sports, but especially baseball, each year he would count down to his favorite day of the year, the day when “pitchers and catchers report” to spring training camp. Ed enjoyed watching and attending games of his favorite sports teams, the Buffalo Bills, New York Yankees, Boston Bruins, and the PC Friars. He was passionate about fishing, it did not matter if it were from shore, in a kayak, salt water or fresh; fishing was fishing, and he would go as often as he could. Recently, he had also found a new passion for deer and turkey hunting. Ed enjoyed music and movies and was always quick with a quote from a song or movie he loved. He looked forward to attending live concerts throughout the year.
What Ed enjoyed most however, was spending time with, supporting, and making memories with his family and friends. Whether he was cheering on and encouraging his wife and her friends in a marathon, coaching his sons Eddie and Craig’s sports teams, watching his niece’s softball games and dance competitions or his nephew’s hockey games Ed was always there.
If you were lucky enough to meet Ed, you liked him, and Ed never met anyone he didn’t like. He genuinely cared about people’s lives and anywhere he went he was guaranteed to know someone. Always quick with a joke and a smile, his shining eyes and big belly laugh made him a magnet for children and adults alike. He was every child’s big Uncle Ed and everyone’s lifelong friend. As a child growing up on Pleasant Street in Pawtucket, to attending Pawtucket Boys Club and Camp Ramsbottom, and even during his time in New Mexico in junior high he began and continued to foster these lifelong bonds with friends who were like family to him. Much like a politician he “He stole the show” wherever he went.
Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday July 27th, 2021, from 4-7pm at Keefe Funeral Home 5 Higginson Avenue Lincoln, RI. Bereavement meal to follow at Grupo Amigos da Terceira 55 Memorial Drive, Pawtucket, RI. All are welcome to attend. Please omit flowers. Donations can be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute or Hope Hospice of RI in Ed’s honor.