Harold S. Barber

Barber, Harold S., 83, of St. Petersburg, died Thursday March 6, 2003 at Lexington Health and Rehabilitation nursing home. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, he came here from Schuylerville, New York. He was a painter contractor. He was an Army Veteran of WWII, where he served in North Apennines, Northern France, Po Valley, Rhineland, Rome, Arno Anzio, and Southern France. He was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with Arrowhead; Good Conduct Medal, and Purple Heart. He was an amphibian truck driver. He participated in the invasion and campaigns in liberation of Italy. He drove an amphibious DUKW hauling troops, supplies and ammunition. He made repeated trips from Liberty ships to beaches and also forged streams and rivers in offensive operations. He served overseas 28 months, driving a 2 ½ ton GMC and in Africa, hauling prisoners and cargo. He drove jeeps for officers. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lucille; two sons, Randall of Rhinelander, WI; Bruce of St. Petersburg; two daughters: Connie Benedict and Gail Blesie, both of St. Petersburg; 15 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Anderson-McQueen Funeral Homes & Cremation Tribute Center-Bobbitt Chapel.