Obituary of Richard Barton

Through the life of Richard Barton we are reminded that each day is a gift to spend with those we love. He was a dedicated and hardworking man who selflessly served the people of the community in which he worked for nearly 20 years. There was no greater blessing in Rick's life than his family, and it was with his family by his side that he experienced his happiest moments. A courageous, strong, and devoted man, Rick will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. The 1950s were an eventful time in our nation's history full of great change that forever transformed us. We were introduced to the sounds of rock 'n roll thanks to greats like Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley while televisions were making their way into living rooms across the country in record numbers. In 1959 we celebrated two stars added to our nation's flag as both Alaska and Hawaii became the 49th and 50th states. It was as this same year dawned that a young couple from Spencerport, New York, was thrilled to announce the birth of their newborn son on January 4th in Rochester. Richard H. was one of five children born to his parents, Homer and Carol Barton, and was raised in the family home in Spencerport alongside his siblings, Gary, Terry, Jim, and Jack. His father worked as an officer for the Monroe County Sheriff's Department while his mother was a homemaker and School Bus Driver for the Spencerport School District. For the most part Rick, as he was usually known, experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for the youth of his generation. He was known to get into his fair share of mischief as a young boy including the times he went bridge climbing with his brother, Jack. Rick was also often harnessed to the piano with Jack, his partner in crime. He attended local schools including Spencerport High School where he was a member of the wrestling team. Rick went on to graduate from high school, and he also completed some college courses. In September of 1979 Rick entered the United States Air Force, serving until September of 1983. Daily life was forever changed for Rick when he met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Ellen Nowack, and they met at the Erie Canal Bar. With a desire to build a life together they became husband and wife on Valentine's Day in 1987 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It wasn't long before the couple was blessed with the birth of their son, Benjamin Richard, on April 8, 1988, and with the birth of their daughter, Hannah Mary, on December 6, 1990, their family of four was complete. Their family dogs were also an important part of the Barton home including, Shiloh, Jake, Buddy, Mike, and Max. Rick was excited to see his family grow to include the significant others in the lives of his children as his son is engaged while his daughter is also in a relationship. Throughout his journey Rick's life was enriched in many ways. For nearly 20 years he served the town of Gates, New York, as a police officer. He was an avid golfer who loved getting out on the links as often as he could. Rick was also into boating, but he became a boater in a rather unconventional way as he purchased his first boat from securing the scene of a train wreck! Those who knew Rick can attest to the fact that he was a sports enthusiast who loved cheering on his favorite teams: the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Brockport Blue Devils, the RPI Engineers, and the Utica Pioneers. Life became more difficult for Rick along with his friends and loved ones when he was diagnosed with cancer. He bravely fought the war that was waged against him, but was unable to overcome that which his spirit longed to defeat. It was with his family by his side that Rick drew his last breath. We will miss so many things about Richard Barton - things like his quick-witted jokes, his spirit of adventure, and his fun-loving personality, but most of all we will miss his unconditional love. He told the best stories and was always up for a good time, which made him a true joy to be around. Taken from his loved ones much too soon, Rick leaves behind priceless memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Richard H. Barton of Spencerport died Monday, July 30, 2012. Rick's family includes wife, Ellen P. (Nowack) Barton; children, Ben (fianceé - Ashley Gaisser) Barton, Hannah (Phil Romeo) Barton; brothers, Gary (Carol), Terry, Jim (Debby), and Jack (Darcy) Barton; in-laws, Art and Pat Nowack; sisters-in-law, Liz Schuth and Amy Nowack; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear close friends. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Carol Barton. Rick's visitation will be held on Sunday 12 Noon - 3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home, 15 West Avenue, Spencerport, NY 14559. Rick's Memorial Service will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational UCC (White Church), 65 Church Street, Spencerport, NY 14559. Those wishing to send expressions of sympathy, please consider the Aurora House Hospice, PO Box 21 Spencerport, NY 14559 or Lipson Cancer Center, 1425 Lipson Cancer Center, Rochester, NY 14621. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.