Sumner D. Barr

After a long life and a conspicuous lack of illness, Sumner D. Barr of Brimfield died at 102. Born in Worcester to Marjorie and George Barr, he is predeceased by wife Dorothy, brother Wayne, and son Glen.

He had a tremendous will to live; the morning he died he rose and sat at his kitchen table at his usual time. He lived in his home for over 75 years; his wish was to die there. He remained sharp witted and well-groomed to the end.

An inveterate, tireless worker, Sum held a wide variety of jobs over his lifetime. As a child he candled eggs at his aunt’s chicken farm. He learned farming, cooking, basic electrical and plumbing as a teen, and worked in various mills and factories in the area. After graduating from Hitchcock Academy, he bought and learned to operate a bulldozer. In1944 after serving in the Army, he started a construction company with his brother Wayne. Graduated from embalming school in NYC, but did not pursue that career, sold caskets, worked as a government clerk, became a licensed electrician and electrical inspector, held positions as police chief, fire chief, and on the select board and highway department. A sergeant on the Wilbraham Police force for 6 years, he concurrently attended American International College earning his BA and MA in 1972. He became a science teacher at Tantasqua Jr. High, cherishing that work and his students. He often would say “I never called out sick, was never late, never left early. I gave detention regularly, stayed late. Was lunch monitor for all lunch periods every day for 14 years. I don’t know if the kids liked me, but I liked them. I was firm but fair.”

Sumner was a local historian, being a rare remaining resident of East Brimfield Village, which now lies under the reservoir.

He and brother Wayne moved, rebuilt and restored many exhibits at OSV, notably the blacksmith shop and covered bridge. They also did extensive work at the New England exhibit at the Smithsonian.

Sum enjoyed motorcycles, cars, and long drives around New England seeking ice cream and seafood. He listened to music daily. Aptly, Natalie Cole’s Unforgettable was his favorite song.

He was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Dayspring Lodge.

He leaves his loving daughter, granddaughter, many nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

He would appreciate donations to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or Audubon.