Tommy Barber

Thomas (Tommy) Charles Barber, 79, of Towson, MD, formerly of Plainville, CT and Newington, CT, peacefully left this earthly life on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. He is now reunited with his beloved sisters, Joan Barber Sartori and Linda Barber Lawson, who predeceased him in 2024 and 1987 respectively.

Born in New Britain on December 3, 1945, Tommy was the son of the late Herbert and Helen (Grover) Barber. He shared a birthday with his sister Joan, eight years his senior. Raised and educated in Plainville, he was a proud 1964 graduate of Plainville High School, where he played football, mastered card-playing, and made lifelong friends with a motley crew of Blue Devils who dubbed themselves the “East Street Gang.” Tommy’s easy smile and quick humor made him the center of attention and the life of the party; traits that defined him throughout his adult life.

After attending Bryant College in Rhode Island, Tom launched a tremendously successful career in investment management with Advest. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to SuperClub for Kids in Newington as a co-owner alongside his longtime friend, Don Driggs. Upon retirement, Tommy followed his heart to Towson, MD, where he married his true love, Erin Lasher Bresnahan, carefully balancing wedding vows with a spirited Orioles/Yankees rivalry. Known as “Pops” to his grandchildren, Tommy was the cornerstone of his family’s laughter, love, and joy. He will be remembered for the gleam in his eye, his playful spirit, and his gift for turning ordinary days into unforgettable memories.

Sports were woven into the fabric of Tommy’s life -from stickball and card games as a boy, to men’s softball leagues and pickup basketball as an adult, to a lifelong passion for the New York Yankees and UConn Women’s Basketball. He was famous for attending games, meeting celebrities, traveling to Super Bowls and prize fights, and curating an extraordinary sports card and memorabilia collection. Tom generously shared his passion for sports, travel and adventure with his friends, but none more so than his best friend and true love, Erin.  Together they were partners in countless adventures to ballparks, concerts, comedy shows, music festivals, and breathtaking destinations like Pikes Peak, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Los Angeles, Key West, and the Grand Canyon. Their path together was paved with love, laughter, and a boundless zest for life’s possibilities. Erin traveled that journey beside him through all its peaks and ultimately its difficult turns, ever present with love, courage, compassion and grace.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Erin; his son Ryan Barber and girlfriend Erin Sorensen of Higganum; his son Kyle Barber and wife Trina of Aynor, SC; his daughter Kelly (Barber) Perez and husband Diovadis (Junior) of Windsor; his stepson Paul (PJ) Bresnahan of Towson, MD; and his brother-in-law and lifelong friend Doug Lawson and wife Judy of Waterford. He also leaves behind loving nieces Cindy McNulty and husband Kevin with children Lindsay and Paige; Susan Lawson with children Ethan and Emily; and Joanie Vicinus and husband Paul with children Brittany, Brandon, and Jacob. Tom was a devoted and magical “Pops” to his grandchildren, Deion and Lorelai, who idolized him as their superhero in sneakers, their first best friend, and their adventure companion. Pops -you are loved, you will be missed, and our hearts are broken.

In recognition of his generosity and caring for others, Tommy’s family asks that he be remembered with contributions to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

Funeral services in celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. A service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a procession to St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 169 Farmington Avenue, Plainville, for burial. Family and friends are invited to a reception following the services. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com

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