Deacon John Newell Barton

WORCESTER - Deacon John Newell Barton, passed away peacefully on  Feb. 3, at home, surrounded by his family.  

John was born in Worcester, son of the late, Peter and Helen (Denison) Barton. He graduated from Sutton High School and Worcester State College, where he was a talented athlete excelling in baseball and basketball. He was named a T&G All Star in basketball.
 
He married the love of his life, Donna Symonowicz, on May 2, 1970, at St. Christopher Church; they recently celebrated 51 years together. They enjoyed travelling extensively with family to the Caribbean, California, New Orleans, and of course Disney.  

Along with his wife, Donna, he is survived by their son, Derek Edwin Barton; a grandson, William George Barton; step grandson, Sean Sequist; a brother, Lincoln Dennison Barton of Florida; two sisters, Leigh Trumbull Barton of Metairie, Louisiana, and Laura Winslow Barton of Cambridge; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; his Godchild, Erin Symonowicz; and Kerry McCormack, whom he and Donna considered a daughter. He had a deep friendship with his pastor, Father Stanely Krutcik, and with Deacon Kevin and Michelle Deignan.  

Deacon Barton was an adult softball umpire in Rhode Island. He was also a FIFA Soccer referee and assessor for the state of Massachusetts. He coached soccer in Wachusett and Worcester youth soccer leagues, leading his teams to many championships. He was also a coach of the Bay State Games and for several years, he coached the Olympic Development Teams in Massachusetts, Canada, and other Eastern states. He also coached a successful women's soccer team at Assumption College.  

He was a talented musician and singer, who began performing at an early age. He performed at many social events and night clubs and was a cantor at Our Lady of Loreto Church.  

Deacon Barton worked for New England Telephone as a network consultant and was a member of the Pioneer Club. He was also a customer service manager for the City of Worcester D.P.W.  

He converted to Catholicism before he married Donna and that faith became deep and abiding. He entered the diaconate program of the Diocese of Worcester in 2003 and was ordained a permanent deacon in 2009. He served at Holy Family Parish, St. Christopher, Our Lady of Loreto-Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and Our Lady of Good Counsel; returning to St. Christopher in his retirement.  

He further embraced his faith as a member of the Knights of Columbus, Alhambra Council, where he was past faithful navigator of the 4th degree Bishop O'Reilly Assembly.  

Funeral services were Tuesday at St. Christopher's. The family entrusted the arrangements to Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel. There is an online register for messages and condolences at www.mercadantefuneral.com