Michael Earl Barton of Sandwich died at Tufts Medical Center on May 24. He was 79.
Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts in October, 1946, to Velma and Donald Barton, he graduated from Acton-Boxborough High School. Michael studied voice at the University of Colorado. Although his career led him to the humming of engines in the automotive industry, his love for music remained a constant companion throughout his life. He often serenaded those around him with a song or a whistle, accompanied by his warm smile and twinkling green eyes. He loved the Beach Boys and the Daytona 500 in equal measure.
Mike had a long career in the automotive industry. He worked for several companies, including Motorvac, Bear, Supersprings, Lappens, and Snap-on, establishing friendships and collegial bonds in dealerships and garages up and down the eastern seaboard, even [with radio personalities] Tom and Ray Magliozzi, better known as Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers. His passion for stock car racing saw him both driving and managing pits at Wall Stadium in New Jersey during the ’80s and ’90s and more recently participating again with a great group of gear-heads in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
He leaves his wife of 50 years, Sandra Aleta of Sandwich; their children, Kerry, O’Malley, Wallis, and Mckenzie; three grandchildren, a brother, a sister, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sibling, Donald; and son, Graham.
In accordance with Michael’s wishes, a private memorial ceremony will be held to honor his memory. For those who wish to send messages of sympathy, they can be directed to The Barton Family at 24 Faunce Mountain Road, Sandwich, MA 02563.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Michael Barton to the Sandwich Fire Department at PO Box 1340 Sandwich, MA 02563 (memo: donation account) or the Inker Family Fund https://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give, select “Other” from the “I want to support” drop-down menu and type in “Inker Family Fund”.
