Obituary: David A. Barber, 73, formerly of Northford

Obituary courtesy of the family:

David A. Barber (73) of Milton, Florida passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with Huntington’s Disease. David was born in Bridgeport, Ct. to Thomas and Dorothy Barber on September 15, 1947. He graduated from Central High School in Bridgeport in 1967. Dave lived for many years in Northford, Ct., where many family parties and picnics were held.

David joined the U.S. Army in 1968, serving in Okinawa, Japan until 1970. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. David also served in the Army National Guard, Branford, Ct as a Sergeant E5. He loved being part of the Engineer Company and driving tanks.
Dave went on to have a 25-year career with Southern New England Telephone, which became AT&T. He worked on the test board and as a field engineer throughout the Bridgeport and New Haven areas.

After retiring, Dave owned Dave’s Café, selling hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream in Branford at VanWilgen’s Garden Center and Branford Point, Northford Fire Station, and many years at the Madison July 4th parade.

Dave had many hobbies, but they centered around his love of learning and reading about military history. He had a huge collection of books which he had practically memorized. He amassed a vast collection of built and unbuilt model tanks and airplanes. Dave also visited military installations and museums around the U.S., England, France, and the Philippines. He was a longstanding member of the Coastal Defense Study Group. Dave also volunteered at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island for many years working to clear brush and debris from the redoubt. Another hobby of Dave’s was his 1970 Chevy Nova, which he owned off the factory floor until 2017.

Dave will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years, Pam, his sister JoAnn Gossett, brother-in-law, Bart (Eva) Haigh, sister-in-law, Janine (Charles) Valentino, 19 nieces and nephews: Tammy Keller, Dorothy Robbins, Tracy Warren, Jennifer Kratky, Melissa Swindon, David Riehl, Franklin Riehl, Darcy Riehl Appleby, Charles Minnock, Steven Minnock, Michael Minnock, Stephen Haigh, Timothy Haigh, Beth Braun, Maria Valentino, Charles Valentino, Vincent Valentino, Dominic Valentino, and Anthony Valentino. Dave also leaves 26 great nieces and nephews and many great great nephews and nieces. Dave is predeceased by his father, Tom, his mother Dorothy, his stepmother, Barbara, sisters Lisa, Phyllis, and Sandra and niece Holly.

Dave’s final wish of donating his brain to Huntington’s Disease Research was fulfilled by University of Iowa, Dr. Marco Hefti.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are by National Cremation and Burial Society, Milton, Florida. A public viewing will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with a gathering after. Burial will be at a later date at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola.