Robert W.Pete Barber, 84, of 2027 Old State Road, New Castle, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at his residence after a four-month battle with brain cancer.

Pete, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on Nov. 20, 1931, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, to the late Francis and Bertha C. Fleahman Barber.

Pete's parents moved to New Castle in 1940, and he graduated from Union High School. He was an exceptional athlete and was a standout on the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams in high school.

He attended the University of Pittsburgh on an athletic scholarship.

Pete is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Carole Frye, whom he married on Dec. 4, 1954.

He was employed by the Columbia Gas Co., retiring in 1994 as a heavy equipment operator.

Pete was an avid bowler and had recorded several 300 games. Pete participated in many leagues throughout the years, and in recent years, enjoyed bowling in the Senior-Citizens Mixed League on Friday afternoons at Colonial Lanes.

He enjoyed being outside and gardening around his home. Pete was a devoted husband and father, who loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons, Robert Barber and his wife, Lisa, of Mount Jackson and Tom Barber and his wife, Diann, of Key Largo, Fla.; a sister, Pheobe Flynn of New Castle; a brother, Bill Barber and his wife, Josie, of New Castle; and his grandchildren, Sarah (Nick) Machalani, Peter Barber and Emily Barber.

In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by four brothers, Ken, Tom, Jack and Dick Barber; and a sister, Edith Helms.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Jackson Presbyterian Church with Steve Plyler officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 111 W. Falls St.