Obituary: Peter D. Barter, Owned Peter D. Barter Flowers and Colonial Gifts at Pickering Wharf, Salem

Obituary from Campbell Funeral Home.

Peter D. Barter of Beverly passed away Friday night at Hathorne Hill Rehabilitation in Danvers surrounded by his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of Hilda (Lamberti) Barter with whom he shared 57 years of marriage, and loving father of Brian R. Barter of Beverly and Elizabeth (Barter) and her husband Carl Menici of Magnolia. He was the adoring grandfather to Carl and Kelsey Menici. Mr. Barter is also survived by his sister, Jane R (Barter) Smith of Barefoot Bay, Florida and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret D. (Irving) Barter and Ralph P. Barter and his brothers, Irving F. Barter and John P. Barter.

Born in Beverly, Mr. Barter attended Beverly High School and during his high school years, he also attended art classes at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and an honorary Master’s degree from the Art Institute at Lesley University. Mr. Barter proudly served his country as a Sargent First Class in the US Army in Korea during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Metal, National Defense Service Medal and 2 Bronze Stars. Mr. Barter was a 32nd degree Mason and was a life member of the Liberty Lodge in Beverly for 61 years. He was member in Lions and was past president.

As an artist, painter, floral designer and lover of colonial aesthetics, Mr. Barter owned and operated Peter D. Barter Flowers and Colonial Gifts at Pickering Wharf, Salem for thirty-four years before retiring in 2013. Mr. Barter modeled his store after Colonial Williamsburg and became one of the few authorized dealers of Williamsburg reproductions in Massachusetts. Eventually, he sat on the Board of Review for licensed Williamsburg products and traveled to Williamsburg several times a year to attend seminars.

As his children grew up they became part of the family shop. For the last 22 years at his store he was assisted by his daughter, Elizabeth and son, Brian. Mr. Barter loved his work and was especially fond of the work he did on weddings. His arrangements were so unique that they could immediately be identified as his work. He was a long time benefactor of the North Shore Music Theater and was committed to ensuring that those children from the inner city who could not afford to attend the theater would free access to plays.

In addition to his love of art, Mr. Barter loved history. He was a direct descendant of John Balch, one of the original settlers of Beverly and spend many happy hours at the Beverly Historic Society, the Peabody Museum and Essex Institute. He was heavily involved with the Bicentennial in Beverly and in 1976 he served as the grand marshal of the Beverly Parade.

Traveling was also a passion of Mr. Barter. When his children were young they took many family trips to historic locations. He continued the tradition with his grandchildren traveling not only to many historic sites in the United States but also in United Kingdom. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Funeral Arrangements: A Funeral Service will be celebrated at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean Street, Beverly, Thursday at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, Wednesday from 4-8PM. Burial will be in North Beverly Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 4 Ocean Street, Beverly MA, 01915.  Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com