William V. Barlow

William V. Barlow, 87, of Bristol and Stuart, Florida, passed away on June 3, 2025. He was the husband of Mildred “Millie” M. (Vallis) Barlow.

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late William V. and Alice G. (Murphy) Barlow. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Patricia (Philip) Powell of Portsmouth, RI, William (Jeanne) Barlow of Warren, RI, Debbie (Michael ) Macrides of Boxboro, MA, Betsy (John) Mattos of Bristol, RI, Thomas (Kathleen) Barlow of Abington, MA, and Jonathan (Kha) Barlow of New Zealand; grandchildren: Katie Powell , Allison Powell, Emily (Powell) Gifford, Peter Barlow, Alex Barlow, Melissa Macrides, Michael Macrides, Alexandra Macrides, Samantha Mattos, Max Mattos, Kathleen Barlow, William Barlow, Molly Barlow, and Thomas Barlow; great grandchildren: Ady Hadden, Clara Hadden, and Stephen “Ford” Gifford; sisters: Patricia (Robert) Healey of Marblehead, MA and Barbara (Robert) Martin of Tiverton, RI; and former wife Judith (Bill) Barlow of East Douglas, MA.

Bill was a 1956 class graduate of Colt Memorial High School and received his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University. He was employed by Motorola for 35 years before retiring.

With a “larger than life” personality, Bill loved to help others who were in need of a little support. He was a lifelong sailor who was happiest out on the water in a stiff breeze, spinnaker full on a reach, trying to be 1st to the finish line. Later in life he took up golf and loved to spend many a day playing with great friends & family in both RI and Florida. Music was important to him. He loved to tickle the ivories daily, with jazz taking front seat for his music of choice for the past 20 years. As a self-taught guitar player, Bill sang songs like “Puff The Magic Dragon”, “Froggy Went-a-Courtin”, and “Daddy’s Gonna Buy You A Mockingbird” to his young children in AZ. In middle school he took up the trumpet, playing through high school and his young married life in AZ. Another hobby that kept Bill engaged with many friends around the country was amateur radio. Even the racing crew on Alice was able to enjoy his hobby as W1ERV strung up the antenna to chat with his “ham” friends after a long day on the racecourse. Bill (aka Grandpa Bill or Papa) loved his growing family, and the many happy times spent at 140 for holidays, Wednesday Night Sailboat Racing, and especially the 4th of July gatherings. He was fortunate to enjoy 27 years of retirement and 21 years as a snowbird loving the Florida life. Bill will be missed by too many to count. He was truly loved.

Calling hours are Tuesday, June 10, 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High Street, Bristol, RI.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, June 11, 10 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any of the following: The Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842; Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY, 10306; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to the Rhode Island Shriners, 1 Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI 02905.

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