LOWELL--Clinton E. Barter 75, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died July 25, surrounded by his family, at his home after a lengthy illness.
He was the loving husband of Maureen A. (McGarahan) Barter with whom he just celebrated 50 years of marriage.
He was born September 21, 1931, in Lowell, the son of the late Clinton H. and Stella (Berdechowska) Barter. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1949.
He was a resident of Lowell’s Belvidere neighborhood for the past 50 years, and was a communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and also a member of several committees including; Past President of the Holy Name Society, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Oblate Men’s Guild. He was actively involved in the Ancient Order of Hibernians and was recently recognized for his dedicated services and many contributions to the Lowell Division.
Mr. Barter was a Sergeant in the Army from 1952 until 1960, serving two of these years in Korea as a Communications Specialist.
He worked as a Typesetter at the Courier Citizen after discharge from the Army. He later established, along with a partner, C & P Woodworking in Chelmsford where he specialized in custom cabinetry. He continued his career when he brought his craft to New England Design of Lowell where he enjoyed bringing architectural designs to life in many of the homes in the Lowell area. Upon his retirement, he was Facility Manager at the Immaculate Conception Church.
Mr. Barter enjoyed bowling, tennis, and golf. He was an avid Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots fan. During his lifetime he was active in many youth organizations co-establishing and coaching the Immaculate Conception Hockey League, a coach and board member of the Lowell Youth Hockey Association and was a coach in Shedd Park Baseball. He also spent many hours supporting his children in the Immaculate Conception CYO. In addition to youth activities, he was instrumental in establishing the Spanish organization Unitas, Inc. in Lowell. Supporting the organization he constructed a Convent for the Spanish Sisters and thrift store for the community.
Besides his wife Maureen, he is survived by his six children and their spouses; C. Edward and Margaret Barter of Lowell, Mary Beth and Robert Meisser of Tewksbury, Kathleen and David Morin of Merrimack, NH, Sheila R. Barter of Stoneham, Brian and Celeste Barter of Lowell, and Stephen Barter of Lowell. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Edward and Colleen Barter, Kathryn and Jeffrey Meisser; and Matthew and Connor Barter. In addition he leaves his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Kathleen (McGarahan) and John Dunfey of Tewksbury, and Frank and Sophie McGarahan of Elmhurst, IL along with several nieces, nephews, an aunt and many cousins.
Friends may call from 2 to 8 PM on Sunday, July 29th at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38), Lowell. His Funeral Mass to be offered on Monday, July 30th at 11 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Lowell. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. Donations in his memory may be made to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund; 3 Fayette Street; Lowell, MA 01852.