Donald J. Barth (Don)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald J. Barth, known to friends and family as Don, on February 20, 2025, at the age of 79 in Westford, Massachusetts. Don was born on February 23, 1945, in Queens, New York, to Henry and Patricia Barth. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Barth, his son Andy Barth and daughter-in-law Amy Barth of Playa del Rey, California.

A graduate of Martin Van Buren High School in 1962, Don went on to pursue his undergraduate studies at New York University before earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University. His education was made possible by a scholarship from the electrical union IBEW, where his father Henry, and his brothers Alan and Bruce, were esteemed career members. Don was always deeply proud of his family's legacy in the union.

Don's love for learning and innovation guided his impressive career. He began his professional journey at RCA, where he was part of the early teams developing modern computer systems. During this time, he earned several patents related to early computing. Later, Don joined Hewlett Packard (HP), where he dedicated over thirty years of service, rising to the position of group manager. He worked in a variety of roles across scientific/engineering, medical devices, and quality control, and was very proud of HP’s commitment to innovation. After retiring early from HP, Don channeled his energy and passion into finance and investing, a pursuit he found both fulfilling and a means to create a lasting legacy for his family.

In addition to his professional success, Don had a great love for his family. His relationship with his siblings was marked by deep bonds and the inevitable challenges of five children raised together in tight quarters, but he always valued and loved them—his brothers Alan and Bruce, both union electricians; his older sister Phyllis, who worked in NYC as an advertising personnel manager; and his younger sister Pam, a teacher in Manhattan. Pam’s sudden passing at the age of 45 was a profound loss to Don that he carried with him throughout his life. His other siblings survive him.

In 1961, at the age of 16, Don met the love of his life, Joyce Johnstone, through her friendship with his sister Pam at their local Baptist church. Don and Joyce’s relationship blossomed, leading to their marriage in 1967 in the same church. Together, they built a life full of love, adventure, and devotion.

Don had a lifelong passion for sports and music. From a young age, he was an avid basketball player and sang tenor in his church quartet. After moving to Westford, he discovered a love for hiking, frequently exploring the beautiful White Mountains. Don was also an accomplished tennis player, enjoying the game both competitively and recreationally with his wife. In his later years, his love for physical activity evolved into running, and he proudly competed in several marathons, including the iconic NYC and Boston marathons. As time passed, Don’s passion shifted to long walks through his beloved town, where he found peace and joy in the simple act of enjoying the community he called home.

Don's family meant everything to him, and in his later years, after Joyce's retirement, the couple made it their mission to care for Joyce’s mother, Sally, until her passing at the age of 98.

In 2017, Don was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal disease. Despite being given only three years to live, Don bravely endured the side effects of experimental treatments in his determination to remain with his family. He spent his final year reflecting on his life, making sure that his loved ones were secure, and finding peace knowing that he had achieved his long-term goals.

Don’s legacy lives on through his wife Joyce, his son Andy, daughter-in-law Amy, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him. While there will be no formal funeral services, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at pulmonaryfibrosis.org, honoring Don’s final wish to raise awareness for the disease that ultimately took his life.

Don will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, dedication, and perseverance will endure.

Funeral Services were private.