GREENE – On May 2, 2013, we lost “One of the Good Ones.” William Joseph Barden, 92, joined his wife and his angel, Rita, who predeceased him in 2007 after a 59-year love affair.
Bill was also predeceased by his daughter, Mary Louise Barden, and his sons, Stephen Michael Barden and Sean Patrick Barden, and 18 siblings and half-siblings. He is survived by one sister, Eleanor Szuba, Minnesota.
Bill is also survived by his children Richard and Kathleen Barden, Greene; Margaret and Christopher Daubin, Colorado; Martin and Karen Barden, Canandaigua; and Ann Marie Kellogg, Vestal. Bill is survived by 15 grandchildren - Elizabeth Takacs, Cynthia Gorman, Kathleen Maloney, John Barden, Matthew Barden, James Barden, William Barden, April Locker, MaryBeth Jones, Stephen Barnes, Daniel Barden, Jason Barden,Tyler Barden, Leah Barden and Olivia Kellogg, and numerous great-grandchildren.
Bill proudly fought for our country’s freedom by serving as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He was wounded in combat on the island of Peleliu and was awarded a Purple Heart and a medal for Conspicuous Service, and received two Presidential Citations. Rita always said, “Your father is a real hero.” He was indeed. Bill was a member of the Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans, Third Order of St. Francis, and a parishioner at the Immaculate Conception Church in Greene, where he served as a lay minister. His devotion to our Heavenly Father and love of the Blessed Virgin Mary was evidenced throughout his life and he sought always to serve the Lord. Bill grew up in Binghamton, NY, and moved his family to Smithville Flats when Rita found her dream house, “a handyman’s special.” After raising his family, he and Rita moved to Greene, where he lived until her death, after which he moved to the Veterans’ Home in Oxford. It was at the Veterans’ Home that he met many new friends. He was a social butterfly and could be seen cruising up and down the halls in his motor chair throughout the day. He loved his “sweethearts” and “buddies,” and learned the names of everyone with whom he came in contact.
The family would like to express our sincerest thanks to everyone at the Veterans’ Home - the administration, medical staff and nurses, aides, maintenance and security for the loving and compassionate way that you cared for Bill and how you so deeply touched his life. You made these last few years joyful ones and no words can fully convey our appreciation.
It is with heavy but joyful hearts that we bid Bill farewell. He lived a full life and he was ready to go. We were blessed to have him as long as we did and we are thankful for his love and guidance. In celebration of Bill’s life, a funeral mass will be offered at 11 a.m. May 6 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Greene. Friends are invited to a luncheon which will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY. Bill always had the last word, so, “Semper Fi, You Leathernecks.” Arrangements are under direction of Root Funeral Home, 23 N. Chenango Street, Greene, NY 13778 and condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.