Gerald Joseph Barkley

Jerry was born during the Depression and helped support the family by shining shoes down in the subway when he was 10 yrs. old. He also worked for his Dad in his construction business. He applied for a job his friend brought to his attention and was hired by the MTA (Mass transit Authority) in Brooklyn NY. He went to college at night and took the NYC test to obtain his Architectural License. He then became head architect, a job that he didn’t expect to achieve. He met people like Mayor Beam and other dignitaries. At the age of 50 he started looking for a hobby so he could retire at 55. Everyone he saw retired at 62 had passed away within the first year. One day he came home so excited after attending a decoy show. He couldn’t believe that all the birds were made out of wood. He then found a company that would pay $5 a bird for painting a slick (smooth) bird. He took a course in another state that was a weeklong training on how to carve and paint birds. He started carving birds and entering them in the world competition in Ocean City Maryland. He then started teaching folks out of his garage in NY and New Bern. He later started teaching at a local College in New Bern. He designed; GC’d and built his home in New Bern. He had Hobbies such as Flying RC plane, Photography, Golfing, Turning wood bowls, carving whimsical houses etc.

Jerry is survived by his children Matt and Julie Barkley, Lorraine and Art Frasca, Bryan and Jodie Meer. His Grandchildren, Shane, Amanda, Melissa, Melanie, Alex and Kaylee, Great-grandchildren, Maci, Aliyah, Dae, Alysha, Serenity and Wrath.

He is preceded in death by Wife Ilona and Sisters Eveline and Arline.

A celebration of life for Gerald will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory, 2201 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560. Following the celebration of life the family will receive friends for food and fellowship.

Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Gerald Barkley.