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May 02 2022

Passing of Past Deputy Chief Joseph Barnshaw

It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of life member and former Deputy Chief Joseph J. Barnshaw.

Joe began his firefighting career with Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company at the age of 16 and became an assistant engineer prior to moving to Perkiomen Township. He joined station 66 in 1980 and held many ranks to include President and Deputy Chief. He has remained committed to our station since 1980 and continued to stay connected with us during his health battles.

Joe was truly a dedicated member to this station and to public service in general.

We were lucky to have Joe as a mentor, friend and guide for many years and we are thankful that Joe passed his passion and commitment for the fire service to his son John who now serves as our chief. Please keep John and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Services are planned for Friday May 6, 2022. A public viewing is tentatively scheduled for 0900 hours at the Holcombe Funeral Home, 21 W. Main Street, Trappe with a service and burial immediately to follow.

Additional information will follow once all services are confirmed.

Joseph J. Barnshaw
February 16, 1949 ~ May 1, 2022 (age 73)

JOSEPH J. BARNSHAW, an active volunteer firefighter, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 1st at his residence with his loving family at his side at the age of 73.

Mr. Barnshaw was born in Bridgeport, Pa. on February 16, 1949 and was the son of the late J. Wilson Barnshaw, former Fire Marshall of the Boro of Bridgeport and the late Mary (Choinski) Barnshaw Longacre. He was employed as a laborer for the Township of Perkiomen and a Deputy Sheriff of Montgomery County. He started his career a as volunteer firefighter as a Junior Fireman with the Swedesburg Vol. Fire Co. He was an Asst. Engineer, served on the Board of Directors and the Fire Police Unit. While with Swedesburg, he received numerus awards, Firefighter of the year, The Fire Chief’s Award, Chief Engineers award, Presidents Award and Fellowship Award. When Joe moved to Perkiomen he continued as a volunteer firefighter and joined the Perkiomen Volunteer Fire Co. There he became Deputy Chief and President of the company and received the firefighter of the year award. Because of his many years and service to both companies, Joe was bestowed the honor of Life member. He was a Security Guard with EPS.

Surviving are his loving wife: Catherine (Myers) Barnshaw

Daughter: Cathy Jo Barnshaw

Son: John J. Barnshaw, Collegeville Police Officer and Chief of the Perkiomen Fire Co. and his wife Carrie

Grandchildren: Diana, Olivia, Beau and Brooks

He was preceded in death by a grandson: Nicky, whom he missed dearly.

Stepsister: Janet Smith

He was preceded in death by 2 sister: Betty Saladino and Roseann Milewski

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 6th at 11:00 A.M. from the Holcombe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main St. Trappe. Manuel A. Howard, Hospice Chaplain will officiate. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Conshohocken. Viewing will be on Friday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the Funeral Home. Joe will be honored with a full Firemen’s Funeral.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Nicky’s Heart of Gold, 343 Maple Ave. Collegeville, Pa. 19426

Arrangements are by the Bernard S. Gutkowski Funeral Home of Swedesburg, Upper Merion Twp., 610-275-6385,
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