Peter Sylvanus Barney, 73, of New Bedford passed away Tuesday October 18, 2022.
Peter was born March 10, 1949 to Emerson and Margaret Francis Barney in New Bedford. He married Joan Ellen Walker and they have one son Jamoson Daniel Walker Barney.
A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he attended Roosevelt Junior High School, where he was one of three students who had the first “zoom” education. He went to school remotely using an intercom system from school to house, not a camera but an intercom. In 1967 he graduated from New Bedford High School. He later received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bridgewater State College, which is now Bridgewater State University.
Peter worked as a reference librarian at the New Bedford Free Public Library. He later served as City Treasurer under Mayor Brian Lawler. He ran for office twice, the second time being elected to the Board of Assessors, where he served for many years. He was later appointed to be the Administrative Assessor for the City of New Bedford. He received his certification from the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers. He also was a paralegal and a licensed real estate broker.
Active in many community organizations, he served on the Board of Trustees for the New Bedford Free Public Library, Board of the New Bedford Symphony, and Board of the Opportunity Center. He was past President of the Wamsutta Club and the Luncheon Club.
Peter was well known for his knowledge of the city history and its politics. He knew and worked with eight city mayors. He enjoyed being part of the “Kitchen Cabinet” on WBSM Radio and discussing many subjects with Phil Paleologos and the people who would call in to the show. An active genealogist, he enjoyed learning his DNA and had traced his family lineage to before the 1600s. His only vanity point was maintaining his grandfather’s original license plate, 1042, which is still currently on his vehicle.
An avid train enthusiast, he was known as a master narrow gauge model maker. He built at least six different working displays for railroad museums in Maine. He was honored to be elected to the Hall of Fame of the National Narrow Gauge Modelers. Peter was one of the founding members of the Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum in Alna, Maine. WW&F Railway Museum is an operating narrow gauge railway operated by volunteers. He enjoyed traveling to various narrow gauge conventions lecturing on various railroads. He had met fellow enthusiasts from all over the world. He has written more than 28 titles, drawing the plans himself and illustrated by his photography work.
His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday October 26th at 11:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday October 25th from 4-7 PM. Donations may be made to one of his favorite charities, Wiscasset, Waterville and Farmington Railway Museum, P.O. Box 242, Alna, ME 04535-0242. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.