BURRILLVILLE – The man believed to be the town’s last living World War II veteran – a longtime community leader with notable contributions to both civic and business life in Burrillville – will turn 100 years old on March 6, a landmark birthday acknowledged this week by members of the Town Council.
George Barber will receive a Centennial Honor Certificate honoring his military service, town service, business contributions and community support following unanimous passage of the recognition Wednesday night.
Barber was born March 6, 1926 and raised on a farm in neighboring Glocester.
A veteran who served his country from 1944 to 1946 in the U.S. Army 75th Infantry Division, Barber earned Expert Marksman level, and received numerous awards for his service and valor, including the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the American Legion Certificate of Honor Post 17 Blanchard-McCutcheon award, the Liberation De La France, Normandie 1945. A gunner in combat, Barber also earned medals for good conduct and a Europeon-African-Mideastern Theater Campaign ribbon award.
The citation notes that he “returned home to build a life defined by craftsmanship, leadership and community spirit.”
Barber served as a fireman with the Oakland/Mapleville Fire Department, was a member of the Burrillville Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Burrillville Sewer Commission.
He also opened his own shop, car dealership and gas station, George A. Barber Auto Parts in Pascoag, which he ran with his son. The citation lists many other businesses he had a hand in including John E Pomfret Ford Sales; Pascoag Auto Parts; International Harvester Truck Parts; the U.S. Postal Service; Chapel Street Auto Sales and Barber’s Sunoco Gas Station.
“He had his hands in many other things in town,” said Councilor Stephen Rawson, who noted he was approached with the idea for a citation the centenarian’s son, Wayne Barber. “As far as I know, He’s the sole World War II surviving veteran in our town.”
Barber also helped to support community programs including Burrillville Youth Hockey, Burrillville Little League and Burrillville/Glocester Youth Soccer.
His golden years have been marked by additional honors and achievements. He was co-marshal of Glocester’s Ancients & Horribles Parade in 2023, and in 2025, he was awarded the Quilt of Valor from Dare to Dream Ranch in Foster.
“This certificate is presented with profound respect and admiration in recognition of a century marked by service, dedication and unwavering commitment to the town of Burrillville,” notes the citation.
“Happy Birthday Mr. Barber,” Rawson said.
Thank you for the wonderful article about my Grandfather ❤️
What a great guy George Barber is! Always an honest businessman, ready to help. Thank you for EVERYTHING!