CONWAY-Richard A. Barnicle, 96, of Hoosac Road passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Barney, as family and friends called him, was born in Waltham, MA. a son of the late Francis A. and Vena (Albert) Barnicle. He was raised in Waltham, graduating from Waltham High School in 1947. He attended the University of Massachusetts and graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1951. He settled in the Valley after school, beginning his career in the farming industry. Barney worked as the assistant supervisor of the UMass farm in South Deerfield and rose to Superintendent of the farm during his career. Barney was known throughout the New England area as the salesman for Sirum Equipment in Montague over 50 years, selling and servicing John Deere tractors and implements to the Valley farmers and beyond. He was an avid sportsman with much success in the woods over the years. In addition to his parents, Barney was predeceased by his siblings; Francis M. Barnicle who died in WW II, Doris Gledhill and Betty Kroll. Barney leaves his sons; Richard F. Barnicle and Robert M. Barnicle, both of Conway. His grandchildren; Jacklyn H. Barnicle and Katelyn E. Barnicle. His sister Joan Krosnowski of Pennsylvania, several nieces and nephews and his close friend Kathleen Jenks of Shelburne Falls. 

The family will receive friends for calling hours at AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Road, Northampton, on Sunday March 8, 2026, from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. Barney will be cremated and his ashes will be interred in the Spring in Conway. 

Donations in Barney’s memory may be made to either the Conway Fire Department or Conway Police Dept., PO Box 240, Conway, MA 01341. (please specify which dept. in the memo line)