William M. “Bill” Barkett

William M. Barkett, 85, of Dover, passed away peacefully in the Community Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia on Friday, December 15, 2017.
Born in Cleveland on October 25, 1932, he was the son of the late Domet Myron and Mary Elizabeth (Moliski) Barkett. Bill was a 1950 graduate of St. Joseph High School.
Throughout his childhood, Bill worked alongside his father and grandfather in the family business, Barkett Fruit Co. that was established in 1915. After graduating, he continued in the business, where he successfully grew the company, delivering produce in four states with 15 trucks, prior to his retirement as owner of the company.
Bill was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. There, he served in several capacities including president of Parish Council. Bill’s community service included coaching Little League and Pony League; serving as chairman of the athletic board and coaching basketball at St. Joseph Schools; and acting as president with the American Heart Association local’s chapter.
Bill was deeply committed to the Greater Dover-New Philadelphia Food Pantry where he served faithfully in his retirement. Among his many achievements throughout his lifetime, he received the Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award.
Bill was also committed to raising financial support for the United Fund, Dollars For Scholars, and the Dover Band Boosters.
Most notably, Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a committed family man who loved to support the Cleveland sports teams and the Buckeyes.
He will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 61 years, the former Rose L. Galanga, whom he married on February 16, 1957; his children Jim (Phyllis) Barkett, Donna (Stan) Hirsch, Ron Barkett, Tom (Suzanna) Barkett, and Gina (Matt Pfeiffer) Barkett; his grandchildren, Joseph, Anthony, Mark (Laura), Ashley (Tommy), Kaitlyn (Bobby), Nicko, Maria (Sean), and Isabella; his great-grandchildren, Fauve, Jameson, Vivienne, Vittoria, Sarah, and Glenn Thomas “Pudge”; and his siblings, Bob (Susan) Barkett and Martha Straker.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Christina Barkett.
Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Tuesday December 19, 2017 from 4 to 7 PM. Father Jimmy Hatfield will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 beginning at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at Dover.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, OH 44622, Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or the Greater Dover-New Philadelphia Food Pantry, PO Box 95, Dover, OH 44622.

“GO TRIBE”