William Francis Barlow
February 2, 1924 ~ May 15, 2010
William Francis Barlow
February 2, 1924 - May 15, 2010
William Francis Barlow died on Saturday morning May 15, 2010. William Francis Barlow lost his valiant, two year battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home in the presence of his wife, Blanche G. Raff and friend, Mary B. Jones. He is also survived by his daughter, Lenore of Colorado Springs.
Bill was proud of his service as a Marine in World War II, when he served the entire duration of the war in the Pacific theater fighing in the battles of Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Peleliu and a number of other strategic fronts. He was wounded several times in combat, convalesced in Australia and returned to service each time with his unit - not wanting to let his comrades down. He earned both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for meritorious service in action.
Bill was a long time employee of Bell Atlantic, retiring as a telecommunications engineer in 1985. He subsequently worked for Siemens Corporation and the Federal Government as a telecom engineer until April 1997. After his retirement, Bill assisted his wife, Blanche with her real estate practice, where many more fast friendships were formed.
Bill was a member of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of the District of Columbia and a Life Member of the NRA, the McLean VFW Post 8241 and RSL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made to one of the following organizations:
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
825 College Boulevard, Suite 102
PMB 609
Oceanside, California 92057
www.semperfifund.org
Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420
Rockville, Maryland 201850
www.fisherhouse.org
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
February 2, 1924 - May 15, 2010
William Francis Barlow died on Saturday morning May 15, 2010. William Francis Barlow lost his valiant, two year battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home in the presence of his wife, Blanche G. Raff and friend, Mary B. Jones. He is also survived by his daughter, Lenore of Colorado Springs.
Bill was proud of his service as a Marine in World War II, when he served the entire duration of the war in the Pacific theater fighing in the battles of Guadalcanal, Okinawa, Peleliu and a number of other strategic fronts. He was wounded several times in combat, convalesced in Australia and returned to service each time with his unit - not wanting to let his comrades down. He earned both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for meritorious service in action.
Bill was a long time employee of Bell Atlantic, retiring as a telecommunications engineer in 1985. He subsequently worked for Siemens Corporation and the Federal Government as a telecom engineer until April 1997. After his retirement, Bill assisted his wife, Blanche with her real estate practice, where many more fast friendships were formed.
Bill was a member of the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of the District of Columbia and a Life Member of the NRA, the McLean VFW Post 8241 and RSL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made to one of the following organizations:
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
825 College Boulevard, Suite 102
PMB 609
Oceanside, California 92057
www.semperfifund.org
Fisher House Foundation, Inc.
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420
Rockville, Maryland 201850
www.fisherhouse.org
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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It was an honor to have known and worked with Bill at V Street. He will be remembered with great fondness. May he rest in peace. Rip
Blanche, So sorry to read about Bill’s death. My condolence to you. Do hope you are well and especially doing these sad times. I enjoyed knowing and working with Bill over many years. Regards, Joe Hewitt
Bill rest in Peace. I will miss your company and your story telling with that glint in your eye.I would like to think we will meet again Bill….. no panic…. Tony.
Blanche (Ms. Raff) – I am sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I remember the loving couple that the two of you were. I remember the time while at Bell Atlantic when Bill carried you on his back across the bridge from Virginia to DC so that you could get to work on time during a severe snow storm. He had the biggest smile on his face as he told me the story and I was so impressed. He will never have to weather another storm, but I know that he will continue watching over you during your storms. May you be comforted by your friends and family and may Bill forever rest in peace. Remember me? Your former dedicated Administrative Assistant.
I am saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. It was an honor to get to know Bill through the RSL, and I always enjoyed seeing him at our lunches. RIP.
His parents gave him a middle name — Francis. But his middle name should have been “COURAGE.” Courage in the Marines, courage through life — never complaining about the horrible pain he suffered from war injuries and cancer. A loyal friend and a patriotic American. A wonderful husband to a caring and wonderful wife who did all any human could to preserve his life and give him the opportunity to do what he wanted to do to fulfill his aspirations. Rest in peace.
Blanche, we here in Sligo are all so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill, we always loved to visit you and Bill up on Copes Mountain when you came on vacation to Gil and Christine. He was a very interesting man and had so many stories to share. He will be sadly missed. Charlie & Collette Hamilton Sligo, Ireland
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God bless his soul. With love, Chukri and family
Bill was one of the most fascinating men I’ve ever met. He was a real hero, both during WWII and afterward as he continued to serve in other ways. The Henry’s in Colorado will miss his annual visits, his remarkable stories, and his warm and generous heart. Blessings to you Blanche and the rest of the family at this difficult time. William, Danelle, Alison, Cian
Dear Blanche and Lenore, We were so saddened to here of Bill’s passing. It was always such a joy to have you visit “the sticks” of Sligo. Bill will always be remembered fondly in this house! You will be in our prayers, Love, Lisa and Finn Gillen
Dear Blanche and Lenore, We were sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, and are thinking and praying for you at this time. Fondest regards, Don and Lil
Dear Lenore and Blanch, Our visits with Bill were so enjoyable, and it was obvious he was so full of life. We hope that your memories will help you through the times of sorrow. Our prayers and best wishes are sent to you today ~ with love and fond remembrance.
Dear Blanche, Scott, Will and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you during this sad time. We will remember Bill’s wonderful smile and neighborly wave each time we round the corner at the marvelous round house. We are all thinking of you and Bill.