Donald Barnes Jr.

“I don't go fishing to escape life, I go fishing to live my life.”

Donald Dwayne “Donnie” Barnes, Jr, 60 years old, entered eternal rest with his fishing pole and tackle box in hand on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 after an extended illness. He passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family.

Donnie was born on November 24, 1960 in New Brighton, PA, the cherished and beloved son of Donald, Sr and Esther. Step-parents Mary Lou Barnes and Duane Dobbins (deceased) also played an important role in his life.

This gentle, caring and wonderful man has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be supremely missed by his wife and best friend of 22 years, Lisa (Shackelford) and his children Timothy and Matthew Barnes, Jordan Guisler (Dan), step-children Jamie, Teresa and Jessie Shackelford, and grandchildren Gianna, Natalie, Faith, Gabrielle, Silas and Rayna.

He was the loving brother of Barb (Mark) Macuga, Donna (Jim) St John, Mike (Dee) Barnes, Ben (Angie) Barnes and Staci Barnes. 

Donnie will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He had a special place in his heart for his goddaughter Kelly Keefer.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents James and Sophie Bertolasio and David and Matilda Barnes.

Donnie had a passion for life. Besides fishing, he was a master cook in the kitchen. His annual Christmas Eve “Feast of Seven Fishes” became a much anticipated tradition for family and friends.

He shared his never-ending joy for Christmas by proudly displaying his extensive Santa Claus and Nutcracker collection. 

He and Lisa loved to travel, especially to New Hampshire, where they spent many evenings watching beautiful sunsets while sipping on a glass of wine.

Donnie graduated from New Brighton High School in 1979. He worked as a salesman for YESCO Electrical Supply and Cardello Electric.

After work, Donnie and Lisa relaxed by shooting pool and throwing darts at local clubs around Beaver County. He was a long-time member of the Oak Hill Vets, New Brighton Sons of Italy and the New Brighton Croatian Club.

Donnie enjoyed all sports and was an avid Steelers and Pirates fan. He coached youth baseball and basketball in New Brighton and Rochester.

He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in New Brighton.

His life was well lived and he was well loved. When he was diagnosed with a rare lung disease – his family and friends rallied around him to raise the needed money for a double lung transplant. His good friend Jimmy Kline (owner of Jimmy K's Bar and Grille) was instrumental in the fundraising effort. 

The family would like to thank all the health care professionals from the Cleveland Clinic and UPMC Presbyterian for their great care and are grateful to the wonderful staff at UPMC Hospice Services who comforted him in his last days.

Donnie will be forever remembered for his caring heart and sense of humor. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.

All are welcome for visitation at J&J Spratt Funeral Home, 1612 Third Avenue, New Brighton, PA on Tuesday, October 12th from 5 to 7 pm. A memorial service to follow with Pastor Joel Coleman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Donald Barnes to the National Transplant Foundation, 3249 W. Sarazen's Circle, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38125.

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