Gerald F Barnish Sr

Gerald (Jerry) Francis Barnish Sr. passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born on July 11, 1943. He grew up on a farm in Belchertown, MA where he loved riding horses, making maple syrup, and learning about cars. In 1962, he met his wife of 61 years, Sandra Ann McCorkindale Barnish. They bought the home they still live in today in Granby, MA in 1968. Together they raised six children, one boy and five girls, and became the tightest and closest of families. He loved his family deeply. 

Jerry was a great mechanic. In his early career, he managed several gas stations, had an auto body repair business, then drove truck locally for nearly twenty years. In 1987, he and his son, Jerry Barnish Jr., started a landscaping business (originally known as Lawn and Garden Services and now more commonly known as The Barnish Companies) which they later successfully grew and expanded to include tractor trailer trucking (he loved the trucking industry!) and hauling services, as well as dumpster rentals. 

Jerry loved life and was deeply aware of the world around him. He was a hardworking, creative, entrepreneurial man who loved a challenge and didn’t quit until he had finished what he started. He kept his emotions close to his chest, was always there when you needed him, and said his prayers every night. He had a sharp mind, an uncanny memory, and a charming and persuasive way about him that moved people in his direction. He had a great sense of humor (even in challenging times), and was known for his incredible resilience and determination. He loved his dogs Mitsy, Rufus and Fletcher. Jerry enjoyed fishing, boating on Lake George, Nascar, classic cars, watching football and spending time with his family. He leaves his wife, Sandy, his six children: Jerry Barnish Jr. and wife, Leslie; Robin Parncutt; Suzanne Clarke and her husband Don (predeceased); Brenda Wishart and husband, Alan; Rachel Backlund and husband, Ken; Renee Roeder and husband, Chris, as well as fourteen grandchildren (Alan Whitaker, Allissa Nugent, Ashley Barnish; Amanda Barnish; Cassandra Kelly; Shannon Parncutt; Cody Parncutt; Sawyer Clarke; Justin Clarke, Trevor Clarke; Brandon Wishart; Jacob Backlund; Malia Matthews; and Caeden Roeder) and ten great grandchildren (Everleigh & Willow Nugent; Aleksander & Alister Maximov; Quinnton & Kolby Parncutt, Leilani & Honesty Kelly; Leo & Otto Clarke) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Beverly Laffond and her husband, Bob. 

Jerry will be missed greatly by his family who loved him fiercely and who will carry on the many traditions they started and kept as a family. 

On Friday, October 3, a visitation will be held from 11am-1pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home.

We will share stories and memories from 1:00-1:30, we hope you’ll consider bringing a story of your own to share.  A private burial will follow.  

In lieu of flowers, donations for Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield.  Donations can be mailed to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or by phone 413-787-2032