Philip McKernon Barnhart, 89, a longtime resident of Somers, CT and Longmeadow, MA, passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 7th, 2015 at Redstone Rehabilitation Center.
He was born in Pittsfield, MA on July 27th, 1925 the only child of Philip S. Barnhart and Alice (McKernon) Barnhart.
Phil attended Williston Academy in Easthampton, MA. He went on to attend Bates College, and then Tufts University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business. He also participated in the V-12 Navy College Training Program where he was honorably discharged in 1946. While at Tufts, Phil excelled in sports, as he was named MVP of the football team, was the High Scorer on the basketball team, and he also set a New England track record in the 440 yard dash.
After graduation, Phil worked for the Nashua Corporation in NH where he was employed for 20 years. He then joined the sales team at US Envelope but decided to move to a smaller company in West Springfield, Package Printing Company, Inc. as Sales Manager. Phil became VP then President and eventually purchased Package Printing, becoming its President and Chairman of the Board. He retired as President in 1990, remaining the company’s Chairman of the Board until his passing.
In 1951, Phil married Sally (Dunning) Barnhart, who predeceased him in 1992. Phil’s work moved him and his young family to different locations within Illinois, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, eventually residing for several years in Longmeadow, MA.
Phil and Sally enjoyed many wonderful years together, including their travels to Switzerland, Austria, China, Tibet, Kenya and New Zealand. Phil married Barbara Lynn Douglas in 1997. Phil and Barbara enjoyed the house they built together in Somers, CT, their winters spent in Florida, and the many trips they took, as well as spending time with family and friends. They looked forward to their regular “Breakfast Club” get-togethers at the Plaza Restaurant.
Phil was an active member of the Field Club of Longmeadow, where he enjoyed playing tennis and paddle. He played in many New England tennis tournaments and Senior Olympic events throughout his adult life, continuing well into his senior years. Phil was the Board President of Options, Inc., a foundation which provides funding for recreational activities to enhance the lives of the mentally challenged.
Phil is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Tietze Douglas Barnhart, his three devoted sons, Robert Barnhart and his wife Shirley, James Barnhart and his wife Anne, and Philip H. Barnhart, all of Longmeadow, MA, his stepdaughter, Debra Douglas Anderson and her husband Rob, of Penacook, NH. Affectionately known as “Poppy” by his grandchildren, he is survived by Christopher, James, Sarah, and Jennifer Barnhart, and Rowan Anderson.Phil will be deeply missed by his family and friends, though his interesting stories, wonderful sense of humor and infectious laughter will remain in their hearts forever.