Joseph J. Barnshaw

OBITUARY FOR JOSEPH J. BARNSHAW

JOSEPH J. BARNSHAW, an active volunteer firefighter, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 1st at his residence with his loving family at his side at the age of 73.

Mr. Barnshaw was born in Bridgeport, Pa. on February 16, 1949 and was the son of the late J. Wilson Barnshaw, former Fire Marshall of the Boro of Bridgeport and the late Mary (Choinski) Barnshaw Longacre. He was employed as a laborer for the Township of Perkiomen and a Deputy Sheriff of Montgomery County. He started his career a as volunteer firefighter as a Junior Fireman with the Swedesburg Vol. Fire Co. He was an Asst. Engineer, served on the Board of Directors and the Fire Police Unit. While with Swedesburg, he received numerus awards, Firefighter of the year, The Fire Chief’s Award, Chief Engineers award, Presidents Award and Fellowship Award. When Joe moved to Perkiomen he continued as a volunteer firefighter and joined the Perkiomen Volunteer Fire Co. There he became Deputy Chief and President of the company and received the firefighter of the year award. Because of his many years and service to both companies, Joe was bestowed the honor of Life member. He was a Security Guard with EPS.

Surviving are his loving wife: Catherine (Myers) Barnshaw

Daughter: Cathy Jo Barnshaw

Son: John J. Barnshaw, Collegeville Police Officer and Chief of the Perkiomen Fire Co. and his wife Carrie

Grandchildren: Diana, Olivia, Beau and Brooks

He was preceded in death by a grandson: Nicky, whom he missed dearly.

Stepsister: Janet Smith

He was preceded in death by 2 sister: Betty Saladino and Roseann Milewski

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6th at 11:00 A.M. from the Holcombe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main St. Trappe. Manuel A. Howard, Hospice Chaplain will officiate. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken. Viewing will be on Friday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Joe will be honored with a full Firemen’s Funeral.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Nicky’s Heart of Gold, 343 Maple Ave. Collegeville, Pa. 19426

Arrangements are by the Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home of Swedesburg, Upper Merion Twp., 610-275-6385, www.gutkowskifuneralhome.com

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