Arthur Barrientos July 24, 1925 to September 12, 2009
He was "Barry" to Jean, his wife of 62 years. He was "Artie" to his eight brothers and sisters. He was "Pop" or "Dad" to his children: Paul, Mark, Ann, Martha and Jon. He was "Grandpa" to Rebecca, Sarah, Matt and Amber, and Sam; and "Great-Grandpa" to Kaitlyn, Ryan and Simon. He was a proud American, serving his country during World War II in the Solomon Islands aboard PT 235. He went on to graduate from St. Josephs College, Rensselaer, Indiana. A life well-lived; a man well-loved by family and by friends. His expressed wish was that the following be included in his memorial:
I am free
Do not grieve for me, for now I am free. I am following the path God has laid, you see. I took His hand when I heard him call. I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at break of day.
If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys; A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life has been full. I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all to brief, Do not lengthen it with undo grief. Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee, God wanted now, He set me free.