Dr. Sam Barrera, age 91 of Canton, passed away February 15th at home surrounded by his loving family. Born and raised in Middlebury VT, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree (1951) at the University of Vermont. He went on to earn his medical degree (1955) at the University of Vermont - College of Medicine.
He began his internship at Carney Hospital before being stationed at RAF (Royal Air Force) Station Wethersfield in Finchingfield, Essex, England – where he served in the U.S. Air Force as a General Medical Officer from 1956–1958. He returned to the United States in 1958 to complete a 3 year residency at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 1961, he began his full time staff affiliation at Carney and St. Margaret’s hospitals in Dorchester MA delivering over 7,500+ babies during his 25 year career in Obstetrics.
Dr. Barrera served 33 years at Carney Hospital – and was Chief of Gynecology from 1975 until 1992. He was an associate professor for 28 years at Tufts University training medical students in the field of Obstetrics. In addition, he also practiced at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital caring for the poor and underserved women for several years. After retiring from Obstetrics in 1986, he was appointed by Governor Michael Dukakis to serve as Medical Examiner for the Norfolk County for 10+ years.
In 1995, he received the prestigious St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in recognition for the virtues of faith, hope, and charity as an advocate for the mission of the Daughters of Charity at Carney Hospital. Dr. Barrera was a gentle but passionate medical care advocate serving his patients with skill, compassion, and respect for human dignity as a Catholic physician for over 40 years. He and his late wife, Eileen, served as the president couple of St. John the Evangelist School Association from 1974-1975. He has lived in Canton since 1959.
Beloved husband for 61 years of the late Eileen M. (O’Connor) Barrera. Father of John P. Barrera and his wife Deverie of E. Sandwich, Kathleen G. McNeil and her husband Dr. Stephen of Canton, Thomas M. Barrera and his wife Elizabeth of Canton, Paul S. Barrera and his wife Teresa of Charleston, SC, William K. Barrera and his wife Elizabeth of Franklin, Marie A. Barrera of Canton, and Mark A. Barrera and his wife Kristin of Plainville. Son of the late John & Grace (Alcaras) Barrera, brother of Mary B. Scott of Queensbury, NY and her late husband James, Joseph Barrera of Framingham and his late wife Gail, the late Carmelina Hennigan of Chatham, NJ and her late husband Michael, and John and his wife Liane of Middlebury, VT.
Also survived by 28 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Visiting hours at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home 455 Washington St. Canton on Friday from 4 – 8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Oscar Romero Church (formerly St. John the Evangelist Church) Canton Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. Burial Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. John School Association Box 604 Canton, MA 02021.