EAST DURHAM – Francis R. "Barney" Birchett, 99, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson. Born on February 9, 1916 in New York City, he was son of the late Alfred and Margrethe Dearie Birchett. Barney attended Poughkeepsie Military Academy. He worked as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney in Paterson, NJ during the war, and worked in later years as a dairyman. Barney was the caregiver for his mother for many years, and was always willing to help anyone who needed help.

Barney is survived by his dear friend and caregiver, Phyllis A. Buell of East Durham. In addition to his parents, Barney was predeceased by his siblings, Blossom Dearie, James and Walter Birchett.

A calling hour will be Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m., followed by burial in Albany Rural Cemetery. Condolence page at ajcunninghamfh.com.