John M Barberi Sr.

John M. Barberi Sr., age 90 of Bellingham, died on January 9th, 2019. Major Barberi was born on January 25th, 1928, in Newark, NY to Francis and Elizabeth Barberi, both immigrants from Italy. He joined the Merchant Marines at age 16 and found himself in France when Japan surrendered in 1945. He continued sailing until 1948 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a private and served in Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. After 23 years he retired as a Major, having been commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Korea in 1953. He later obtained a Master’s Degree from National University in San Diego while working with the County of San Diego, CA as a probation officer. He later returned to sea for a few years before retiring in Bellingham, WA. He was a member of the Maritime Union, Bellingham Yacht Club, Italian Club, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Navy League and the Merchant Marine Veterans Club. John was preceded in death by son Steven. He is survived by his wife, Harriet, three sons, John Jr, Frank and Michael, daughter Linda, and many loving grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, relatives and friends. Services with full military honors will be held on Wednesday, January 16th at 11 AM at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway St. in Bellingham. Reception following. Committal following at Greenacres Cemetery. Share your memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .