The Veterinary and Animal Sciences Department regrets to announce the passing of retired UMass Farm Superintendent, Richard "Barney" Barnicle.
Richard A. Barnicle, 96 of Hoosac Road, Conway passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Barney, as family and friends called him, was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, the 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. He leaves his sons; Richard F. Barnicle and Robert M. Barnicle, both of Conway and his granddaughters, Jacklyn H. Barnicle and Katelyn E. Barnicle. His ashes will be interred in the Spring in the Howland Cemetery in Conway. Donations in Barney's memory may be made to the Conway Fire Department or Conway Police Dept., PO Box 240,Conway, MA 01341.