With faith in the Resurrection and fortified by the sacraments of the Church, Francis J. “Buddy” Barnes died on October 7, 2026. Born on October 17, 1937 to the late Frank and Winifred (Gilpin) Barnes, Buddy was the loving husband of Joan M (Hawkes) Barnes. He was the father of Joseph D. Barnes and his wife Karen of Ithaca, NY, Brian J. Barnes of Quincy, and the Very Reverend David J. Barnes of Stoneham. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Connor, Sean, and Brendan Barnes. He was predeceased by his brother Robert Barnes.

Buddy was born and raised in South Boston where he often returned to “walk the Island.” He graduated from Gate of Heaven High School in 1955 and then enlisted and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Seventy years after his Marine Corps service, Buddy still talked about it like it had been last week.

No matter where he was, people flocked to be around him, to hear his stories, and to enjoy his company. Never was a man so aptly nicknamed. Everyone who encountered him considered him to be their good buddy. He served as a longtime patrolman in the Quincy Police Department.

Buddy belonged to numerous organizations including the Marine Corp League, (Caddy Detachment), the Quincy Elks, Life Member of Squantum Yacht Club, and the 72 ½ Club of South Boston. Buddy loved the YMCA in Quincy and his family is grateful for the way the community there loved him.

The family extends its profound gratitude for the amazing and professional care that Buddy received at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. In the last weeks of his life, Buddy was treated with love and with devotion by everyone at Tufts, especially on Floating 7.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11am in Sacred Heart Church, 386 Hancock St. N. Quincy, MA, where he was a longtime parishioner. His burial will take place the following day at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.

Please do not send flowers. If you so wish, donations may be made either to Divine Mercy Parish in Quincy or to St. Patrick Parish in Stoneham. Please consider having Masses offered for the repose of his soul.