December 28, 2018
Barter, Francis B.
Westwood, Massachusetts – Francis Bond “Frank” Barter died peacefully on Thursday, December 27th, 2018 after a long debilitating illness. Born November 22, 1924, the Son of Roy Marshall Barter and Emma Hathorne Barter, the youngest of three children, Francis grew up in the towns of Winthrop and Somerville, Massachusetts. On April 6th, 1947 he married the love of his life, Gladys A. Barter. They settled in Westwood, Massachusetts, and renovated the home where Francis lived out the rest of his life with Gladys. Francis, a beloved husband, was best known for his devotion to family, his ability to build furniture, and his artistic crafting of custom metal and wood projects throughout the house. He enjoyed creating memories with Gladys and the family during vacation weeks in Harwich Port MA and the surrounding areas of Cape Cod. Francis participated in WWII in the 552nd anti-aircraft artillery unit and fought in and defended our nations interests in Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, and Central Germany, amongst others. Francis enjoyed the friendship of his fellow soldiers, experiencing European cultures, and travel on the back roads of Europe. Upon his return to the United States, Francis met his future wife Gladys at a YWCA dance on Clarendon St. in Boston. They performed various waltzes, the foxtrot, and at the time, what may have been considered modern dance. They were married in 1947 and have been married for the past 71 years. Francis proudly worked at United Electric Controls Company in Watertown, MA for most of his working life, creating and modelling multiple product designs, and earning the respect and friendship of management and his colleagues. In addition to his parents, Francis was pre-deceased by his brothers Orris Barter and Ralph Barter . Francis is survived by his beloved wife Gladys, his devoted son Roy, Roy’s loving companion Judy of Rye NH, and other nieces. The family would like to thank the Westwood Fire and Westwood Police Departments for rendering special care and assistance when needed in recent years. The family would also like to thank both the Tippett Home in Needham for their care and support during his hospice stay, and the First Baptist church of Westwood for its continued support of the family. Visitation with Frank’s family will be held Wednesday, January 2nd from 10 to 11 am at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High St, Westwood followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11 o clock. Interment with military honors will be in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery, Baker Street, West Roxbury. Memorials may be made to the Memorial Fund of The First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High St, Westwood MA 02090 or the Tippett Hospice Home located at 920 South St. Needham, MA. 02492