James F. Barbieri, 82, of Division Street died early Monday, May 11, 2015 at Fairview Hospital in Great Barrington.
A native and lifelong resident, James was born in Great Barrington on November 6, 1932, the son of Lawrence and Rose Ella “Ruth” Walker Barbieri. He was educated in local schools.
James began working on the family farm and saw mill located on Division Street in Great Barrington when he was young. Over the years the saw mill became Barbieri Lumber Company in Housatonic which James ran with his father and brother until the late 1970’s when he and his brother Lawrence, Jr. took over the business. The three also bred and raced thoroughbred horses and started a Brown Swiss Dairy operation.
James was an avid bowler. He loved the outdoors and hunting. He was a member of the State Forestry Committee and the Great Barrington Fish and Game Association.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington.
James is survived by his wife with whom he would have celebrated his 49th wedding anniversary on June 25th, Lynn Race Barbieri. He also leaves his children: Tony Barbieri and wife Kathleen, Tim Barbieri and wife Debbi, Tara “Terry” White and husband Edgar, Holly Cavanaugh and partner Paul, April Barbieri and Kurt Barbieri and wife Heather; his brother Lawrence “Sonny” Barbieri Jr.; eight grandchildren, Kristine, Brian, Kristin, Jamie, Matt, Alek, Haley and Nicholas; and three great grandchildren, Mason, Natalie and Aubrie, as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Tina Marie White.
In keeping with his wishes funeral services will be private. There will be no calling hours.
Donations in memory of James may be made to either the Southern Berkshire Elderly Transportation or the Berkshire Humane Society through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family or sign the guest book go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.
