Richard J. Barker

Richard John Barker, age 97 years, of Kingwood Township, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Country Arch Care Center, Pittstown, NJ. Born on May 24, 1928, in Rochester, NY, he was the son of the late Lewis G. and Edith V. (Melder) Barker.

As a young man, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1946-1948. He then went on to earn his BA from the University of Rochester and his MA & PhD from Duke University. He was a Professor of History for 34 years at Montclair State University and served for many years as the Chair of the Department of History there.

In retirement, he assisted his wife, June N. Barker, in operating the Barker Primate Study Center in Kingwood Township, for long-term studies of rhesus monkey families. After his wife’s death, he worked to establish an archive for study of captive rhesus monkey behavior at the University of Wisconsin Primate Research Center.

Additionally, he was a founding member of the Acoustic Neuroma Association of New Jersey.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, June (Northrop) Barker, who died in 2001; as well as his brother.

Among his survivors are his brother, Robert B. Barker of Lewes, DE; as well as his nieces and nephews, Belinda Barker Cunningham of Essex, MD, R. Scott Barker, of White Stone, VA, R. Christopher Barker, of Landenberg, PA, Catherine Day of Highland Heights, OH and Terrence Barker of Rochester, NY and their spouses and children.

Arrangements and cremation services are private under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Barker’s memory may be made to the Acoustic Neuroma Association, 600 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 108. Cumming, GA 30041 or by clicking the link below.

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.