William Barker

September 19, 1934 - March 31, 2021

William Barker, 86 of Orleans, MA passed away on Wednesday March 31, after a brief illness. Services will be held on Thursday, April 8 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Breen Funeral Home, 122 Amesbury Street in Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow at the West Parish Cemetery in Andover. Bill was born in Lawrence MA on September 19, 1934. He graduated from Lawrence High School. He was awarded the Prestigious Bucks Scholarship from Boston University and later earned his Masters of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from Brandies University. Bill was married to Ginny for 62 years with whom he shared his love of food, travel and poetry. Bill worked at Fitchburg State University from 1971 to until his retirement in 1997. He was Professor Emeritus and Chair of the English Department and recognized by the Massachusetts House of Representatives for his 26 years of service. Bill is survived by his wife Virginia and son Christopher, sister-in-law Sheila Colacito, sister and brother-in-law Elva and Szilard Pantyk and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Elsie (McCauley) and his sister and Gladys. Family and friends may visit on Thursday April 8, 2021 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury St. Lawrence, MA. A burial services will follow with Military Honors at the West Parish Garden Cemetery in Andover, MA. For more information or to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.breenfuneralhome.com.