Marblehead – Richard F. Barney, age 85 years, of Marblehead and Hobe Sound, Florida, beloved husband of Dorothy M. (Belanger) Barney, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.  Born in Framingham, Mr. Barney was raised in Melrose and Andover. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School.  He continued his education and graduated from Merrimack College.  Following graduation, Mr. Barney entered the United States Navy and served his Country during the Cold War. He was proud to have served as an officer on destroyers in the north Atlantic. Following his four years of active duty he served 20 years in the Navy Reserves having achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.


While in the Navy, he was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island. He met his wife Dorothy in 1955.  They married the following year and have enjoyed 60 years of marriage.



Mr. Barney started his career in banking.  He was a bank officer for over 30 years and served as vice president of several area banks.  He completed his career with Merrimack College in community development until his retirement.



Mr. Barney was very community centered.  He was a past president of the Marblehead Historical Society, chairman of the Greater Lowell United Fund, Lawrence YMCA Board of Directors, Board of Directors Lawrence Boys Club, charter director of the Greater Lawrence Community Boating Program, Board member of the Merrimack Valley Girls Scouts, and Director of the Merrimack Valley Goodwill.



Mr. Barney enjoyed golfing with friends.   He enjoyed sailing, and raced in Marblehead with the Soling and the Rhodes 19's fleets, as well as off shore yacht racing. He was a life long Red Sox fan, through good seasons and those other seasons.



Mr. Barney is also survived by his children, Captain Steven Barney, U.S. Navy (retired) and his wife Tami (Snell) of Sandwich, MA, Patricia (Barney) Rosenthal and her husband Joel of Fairfield, CT, Mary Beth Barney of Marblehead, his grandchildren Richard and James Barney and Sarah and David Rosenthal.  He adored his grandchildren and they adored him.



A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 80 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead on Monday April 3, 2017 at 10:00 A.M.  Burial will follow in Waterside Cemetery.  As requested there are no visiting hours.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Anchor to Windward, P.O. Box 813, Marblehead, MA  01945.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem.  For additional information or online guest book please call 978-744-0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.