William H. Barr

Barr, William H. of Hingham, died August 10, 2014 at the Pat Roche Hospice House in Hingham. 

Bill was born in Bronxville, NY, the child of Eva and James Barr. He grew up in a relatively rustic setting during the depression, and obtained a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1950, coincident with his service in the US Navy. He received an honorable discharge and married his beloved wife Norma Helen Stamp in Tuckahoe, NY during that eventful year.

The newlyweds took up residence in Providence, Rhode Island where Bill was employed in his first position as an engineer. Their first son Thomas was born during this period. The family relocated to White Plains, NY for a new position. Their second son Larry and daughter Patty were born while residing there.

In the summer of 1957, the family relocated to Hingham, where Bill and “Brownie” lived for over 50 years. Bill grew impatient working for others, striking out on his own, setting up Barr Engineering in the Hingham shipyards. After years of consulting and eclectic engineering work at a number of locations, he set up in a building on Water street in Hanover incorporated as the “Universal Tipping Company”, a company that continues to function.

Bill’s life was punctuated by work and devotion to his family. Brownie passed away in 2011 after 61 years of marriage. 

Bill is survived by his two sons, Thomas and Lawrence Barr and his daughter Patricia Grimm. Also by his two grandchildren Manya, the daughter of Lawrence, and Wes, Patricia’s son.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Thursday 5-7 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. Funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday at 7 PM in the funeral home. Private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s name to The Peabody Home, 24 Peabody Place, Franklin, NH 03235 or to The Pat Roche Hospice House, 86 Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham, MA 02043.