Steven S. Barnes Sr.

January 18, 2018

Steven S. Barnes Sr.

ATHOL- Steven S. Barnes Sr.(Stevie Wonder), 74, of Harvard Avenue, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, January 18, 2018 at Athol Hospital after being stricken ill earlier at home.

Born in Petersham, he was a son of the late Harold Jr. and Grace E. (Coolidge) Barnes and grew up in Petersham and graduated from Ralph C. Mahar Regional School in Orange with the Class of 1961.

In 1984, Steven married Diane (MacDonald) and they have enjoyed over 33 years together. They had lived in Orange for a number of years before moving to Athol.

Employed by Niagara Cutter in Athol before retiring, Steve previously worked at the former Union Twist Drill for 19 years and at the former Bedroom Factory in Orange. He and Diane had also run the Petersham Package Store for a number of years.

An outdoorsman, Steven  enjoyed  fishing, hunting , and canoeing, as well as long walks on Petersham Road.  Steven was a life-long carpenter, and enjoyed hand crafting gifts for family. He also loved “treasure hunting” and hosting tag sales with his good friend Victor.

Steven was a former member of the Petersham Police Department as well as a long time member of the Athol-Orange Lodge of Elks #1837.

Steven and Diane loved to travel and spent five years traveling in their RV around the United States after Steven’s retirement. They  also traveled to Hawaii and Italy, and once traveled to Montreal by train.

Steven will be missed by his loving wife, Diane Barnes of Athol; his sons, Steven Barnes Jr. and his wife, Lori, of Orange, and Chris Barnes and his wife, Susan, of Petersham, Obadiah Plante and his wife, Tammy, of Danvers, Isaiah Plante and his wife, Karen, of York, Maine, Zachary Plante and his wife, Sara, of Honolulu, Hawaii, and his daughter, Jerusha Dallas and her husband, Daniel, of North Las Vegas, Nevada; grandchildren, Steven Barnes III, Allison Barnes, Charlie Barnes, Will Barnes, Katie Plante, Caroline Plante, Jacqueline Plante, Isaiah Plante, Hunter Plante, Colby Plante, Cohen Plante and Maisie Plante; sisters, Sandra Weiss of Naples, Florida, Diana Aslund of Milwaukie, Oregon, Pamela Chevalier and her husband, Ray, of Petersham, and Jackie Russo and her husband, Doug, of Santa Cruz, California; a sister in law, Rexine Barnes of Petersham ; many nephews and nieces; and many friends.

Besides his parents, Steven was predeceased by a brother, Roland Barnes, on May 30, 2005.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 1-3 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

Following calling hours, a celebration of life will be held at the Wheelerville Community Club, 698 East Main Street, Orange.

Interment in Center Cemetery, Petersham, will be private.

Steven was winning his 7 year battle with pancreatic cancer when he passed, thanks to the outstanding care he received from his doctors, the love and care he received from Diana and his consistent positive outlook and determination. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in Steve’s memory to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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