Herman “Hank” Barker, 91, a lifelong resident of Beacon, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on March 22, 2024. His departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Born on July 15, 1932, he was the son of Herman C. Barker and Eva Belding Barker. He and his “bride,” Margaret Lucas Barker, celebrated their 71st anniversary on March 1. He was the “best girl dad ever” to: Victoria, wife of Brian of Germansville, PA, Rosanne Callahan of Wappinger Falls, Margaret, wife of Kevin Baccomo of Glenham and Sandra, wife of David Grohosky, of Glenham. He was the proud “grandpa” of 9, Sean, Daryl, Kirstin, Chris, Nicole, Eric, Morgan, Taylor and Britni and beloved “papa” to his 11 great-grandchildren, Madison, Laila, Liam, Amadea, Kyle, Alexander, Braxton, Pierson and Brooklyn. Hank loved his extended family including his surviving family: sister-in-law, Mary Goodall and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beautiful great-grandsons, William Grayson Callahan and Ian Baccomo and sister, Linda LaGoy.
Following graduation from Beacon High School he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on several ships during the Korean War. For the next 35 years he worked for IBM, climbing the corporate ladder from Machinist to Management Development. In retirement, he and Margaret purchased their dream home on Lake Gaston, NC. His greatest pleasure was spending time watching his grandchildren swimming at the dock and sailing with family and friends on his cherished, “Unicorn”. His other favorite pastimes included playing guitar in his Irish folk band, “The Black Velvet Band” with Margaret and cruising with his “girls and their spouses”. He was a master storyteller and he loved mesmerizing his grandchildren with his witty stories. When asked how he was doing his favorite response was, “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand it”. He made everyone he knew feel special and his zest for life and gentle spirit will always live in the hearts of those who were privileged to know and love him.
Hank also leaves behind a legacy of service. As a devout Catholic and member of St Joachim’s Church, he served as an usher for many years. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, Trinity Council #445. Additionally, he served as the Chaplin for the Beacon VFW, Post #666 and he received many military honors including the privilege of being invited to fly to Washington on the prestigious Honor Flight honoring American Veterans.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at on Monday, April 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Joachim Church, 51 Leonard Street, Beacon.
Memorial donations may be made in Herman’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project in Honor of Herman J Barker at Woundedwarriorproject.org or The Hudson Valley Honor Flight PO Box 375, Walden, NY 12586.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at a date and time to be announced.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.
