Gordon D. Barkley

Gordon D. Barkley, 67, passed away on July 25, 2025 at UHS Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, NY. Born November 16th, 1957, he was the son of Gage Barkley and Beverly Ireland Barkley Streichert. He was raised by his mother, a strong and determined woman who carried the weight of both parenting roles. Gordon attended South New Berlin and Norwich City Schools graduating as vice president of his class in 1975. He continued his education at Lincoln Technical Institute, Union NJ, receiving a degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Services.

Gordon met his wife of 46 years, Susan Frink, in 1971 while they were in the 8th grade at Norwich. They became inseparable and married on May 26th, 1979. He loved playing football, baseball and basketball in school and was always there for a pick up game in the neighborhood. Gordon spoke frequently of the great times he had at the YMCA and at his great grandparents farm fishing, playing in the hayloft and doing chores with his siblings, which his grandchildren loved to hear all the stories.

He was ambitious by nature and started working at a very young age with a newspaper route, and then working at the CMH cafeteria, Sheffields, Davis Tire, a Liquor Store during college, bartending at the Moose Club and private parties just to name a few. In 1978, he worked as a Service Manager at Montgomery Wards in Johnson City and Dubois PA. He also opened his own business, Barkley's Refrigeration and Appliance Services after returning to Norwich. Gordon found his talent in sales when he joined Automecha/ASMARC in Oxford, NY and eventually created his own business with Susan, the North American Mailing Co. He went on to sell tabs and specialty machines for the mailing industry for Buskro and Straight Shooter Equipment Co. Gordon worked in the mailing industry for over 35 years, where he was able to travel to many locations including Germany. He also sold real estate for Peggy Parker Real Estate, Norwich NY

Gordon was a member of United Church of Christ, Norwich, NY, past member of the Parks Commission, Moose Club and Bowling Leagues. He was a longtime member of the YMCA. Along with Sue, they were heads of the 1975 NHS class reunion committee. He enjoyed reading John Grisham novels, singing along to 1970s classic rock and family trips. He was an avid sports fan following the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Minnesota Twins and Syracuse Orange basketball. Above all, Gordon loved spending time with his family and grandchildren. He loved them with his whole heart, and he was always there when they needed him.

He is survived by his wife Susan (Frink), his children Jessica (Robert) Hoople of Norwich and Cole (Bethany) Barkley of Buffalo; His beloved grandchildren, Owen Hoople, Grace and Ava Barkley, Siblings Mary Ann (Reg) Vidler and Gary Barkley of Norwich, Terry (Barb) Barkley of Utica, and Deborah (Joe) Loewenstein of Cincinnati, OH; Brother in Laws, Guy Davis of Norwich, Wayne (Ann Marie) Frink of Syracuse, Sister in Law Lisa (Mike) O'Connell of Horseheads, NY. Aunts Peggy Parker and Peggy Loucks, Uncle Jack (Alice Fazio) Parker. Nieces and Nephews Shanee (Eric) LoMauro, Kirstin (Chris) Mackey, Julia (Justin) Herring, Michael Loewenstein, Andrew (Brittany) Loewenstein, Hannah Loewenstein, Ben (Terah) Davis, Mike Davis, Michaela Keener, Jackie Frink, Tom (Liz) Frink, Brayden (Anna Grafton) O’Connell, Jarrett (Kileigh Bouyea) O’Connell, Curtis O’Connell, many cousins, great nieces and great nephews and cherished close friends Tommy Brown, Ken Law, Bob Bowen, Mike and Ann Carnrike and Patty Bonnell.

He was predeceased by his mother Beverly, sister Sheryl Davis, sister in law Judy Barkley, uncles Jerry Parker and Ronald Loucks and in-laws William and Betty Frink.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 on Thursday July 31st at R.J. Fahy Funeral Home, 116 N. Broad St. Norwich, NY. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Friday August 1st at 11:00 with Pastor Linda Powell-Owens officiating. Committal services will immediately follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Norwich. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gordon’s memory may be made to The Norwich YMCA Scholarship Fund, 68 North Broad St, Norwich, NY 13815 or The American Heart Association - http://www.heart.org.