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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

John Child Barber, Jr.

Wilmington, DE – John Child Barber, Jr., aged 77, passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021.

Born in 1943 in Chicago, IL, John is the son of John Child Barber, Sr., and Margaret Bunting-Barber. Post high school, John served on the USS Yosemite as a corpsman in the Navy for four years. John married his high school sweetheart and loving, compassionate wife of 58 years, Lynda Barber, during his military service.  John graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English after his naval career – he leveraged his passion and innate skills in writing to graduate at the top of his class of over 4,000 students.

John began his successful 30+ year pharmaceutical career with the Stuart Division of Atlas Chemical Industries (former name of Zeneca Pharmaceuticals) as a sales representative shortly after graduating. John’s tirelessly strong work ethic and sagacious professionalism allowed him to progress through several commercial roles with increasing responsibilities: he later became the leader and Vice President of Astra Zeneca’s Strategic Planning and Business Development group for their U.S. business, and a member of the global team responsible for the same areas. Once retired, John traveled the country with Lynda (in his words, Lynda and he wanted to “see what this country has to offer besides airports and downtown hotels”) and spent more time with his family.

John was always an endearing, captivating, and loving presence in the lives of his friends and family. He was known for his inquisitive nature, scholarly intelligence, and proficiency and mastery in writing, engrossing himself specifically in Spanish history, language, and culture later in his life; he was known for his sharp-witted sense of humor, always being the uproariously hilarious comedian at every family gathering; he was known for his musical prowess in the guitar and harmonica, where he often serenaded his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (with backing vocals from his late chihuahua, Papi); he was known as the “pool shark” of the family, never losing a single billiards game to any of his family members. John instilled all his life lessons and knowledge to his children and grandchildren and will be remembered for the kind and selfless teachings he embedded in all his family members.

John is predeceased by his twin daughters, Alison and Melanie Barber, and his sister Nancy Hodges. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Lynda Barber, his daughters Sharon Barber-Huff and Carrie Barber, grandchildren Jackie Marinis, Katie Marinis, Niko Marinis and Lynda (Lynie) Gregg, great grandchildren Johnny Marinis, Evelyn (Evie) Metz, and Brody Joseph Robinson, his siblings Elizabeth Cornelious and Scott Barber, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

Funeral Services

A visitation will be held on Thursday May 27, 2021 at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, from 11:00-12:00PM followed by a memorial service. Interment will be private.

Condolences

    Deb McMullen writes,
    Lynda, I am so very sorry to hear about John's passing. I worked for him at ICI/Zeneca 1986-1992. I remember all of the speeches he used to write for the higher-ups before he became one himself. He was a talented individual and will be missed by all who knew him.
    05/23/2021 12:26 am
    Fran Ehrlich Isakoff writes,
    I am saddened to read of John’s death and send my sincere condolences to the family. I have so many fond memories of the times I shared with John at ICI.
    05/23/2021 07:33 am
    Carrie Barber lit a candle
    05/23/2021 03:11 pm
    Carrie Barber lit a candle and writes,
    Miss you, Dad. Rest in peace.
    05/23/2021 06:49 pm
    Elaine and Jim Collins writes,
    Carrie, we were so sorry to hear that you lost your father. Please know we are thinking of you and your family, and sending you our deepest sympathies.
    05/24/2021 06:46 am
    Michael O’Laughlin writes,
    I remember seeing John on stage presenting the Tenormin marketing plans in 1981 and was amazed on so many levels. When I was moved to the home office in Wilmington, I was thrilled to meet him. I felt he was one of the most brilliant marketing minds in pharmaceuticals. Yet, he was modest, genuine and funny. He left an indelible mark on my professional career, and I am privileged to have known him. My deepest sympathies to you Lyn, and thank you for sharing John with the rest of us. May he rest in eternal peace. Sincerely, Michael O’Laughlin
    05/25/2021 12:40 am
    William Brezza lit a candle and writes,
    Carrie, Heart felt sympathy 💔 for you and your family. May your hearts find peace. Bill Brezza
    05/27/2021 09:31 am
    William Brezza lit a candle
    05/27/2021 09:33 am
    Dorothy J. Smith writes,
    Lynda and Family, Please understand how sorry I am that I can't be there today to celebrate John's life. Health situations are holding me back but I can express my thoughts to you on line. I send my thoughts and many prayers to you and your family for your great loss. I've known John since 1976 when I started working at Stuart Pharmaceuticals in Wilmington, DE. John & I clicked right away as we both loved Country Music, we both played guitar and he told me you were expecting your 3 rd child - I had 3 sons by that time in my life but the most that I remember about John was his attitude on life. He was always happy with a smile. God bless him. He always mentioned you and your children in conversations which showed a lot of good LOVE flowing from him about his life and family. May you know once again my prayers are with you all. Sincerely Dot
    05/27/2021 10:08 am
    William Brezza lit a candle
    05/27/2021 11:15 am

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