SOUTHWICK – John J. “Skip” Barna, Jr., 83, (1939-2023) devoted husband for 63 years to the late Jeannette (Lussier) Barna, passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 21st, 2023. Born in Holyoke to the late John J. Barna, Sr. and Josephine (Minkos) Barna, he had been a Southwick resident for the past six years; having moved from Ormond Beach FL. He was last employed by and retired from Bertera Plymouth, West Springfield as an auto mechanic. Skip was a member of the West Springfield Fish & Game Club and N.E.A.R. (New England Antique Racing Association). Skip raced cars from the time he was a young man up into the 1970’s at Riverside Park, Agawam. His best job following his retirement was his employment as security at the Daytona Beach Speedway. Before moving to Florida, he was working as a starter/referee at the Motocross 338 in Southwick. He and his wife both enjoyed watching NASCAR racing together.
In addition to his wife and his parents, Skip was also predeceased by a brother, Ronald Wegrzyn.
Skip is survived by his sons, James Barna (Jodi), Michael Barna (Candace), Daniel Barna (Tami), John Barna and Stephen Barna (Jenelle); 6 grandchildren, Christopher, Brianna (Brian), Bridgette, Stephen, Jonathan, William; 4 great-grandchildren, and extended family members.
The family wishes to thank his nurse Carolyn for her compassionate care.
Calling hours are from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27th, 2023 at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 624 College Highway, Southwick, followed by a funeral home service at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that donations in Skip’s honor be made to Baystate Hospice, 30 Capital Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089. forastierefuneralhome.com
