YOUNGSTOWN - There will be a Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, with Chorbishop Michael Kail officiating for John M. Barkett, 93, who passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Briarfield @ Ashley Circle Nursing Home. John was born December 1, 1922, in Youngstown, a son of Michael and Sultana (Coury) Barkett and raised on Lane Ave. He attended East High School and then went on to serve in the US Army during WWII where he served with the 82nd Division and participated in both the North African and Italian campaigns. John received the Bronze Star for his actions, yet never glorified the realities of war. Upon John's return from the Army, he joined his brothers in the family business, the Barkett Brothers Coal Co. Then in 1947 he married the love of his life Josephine "Tootsie" Joseph. They eventually moved to Liberty Township where they raised 6 sons. During that time, he worked at the local A&P distribution center for some 21 years and then took the initiative on a prayer and a shoe string to start his own business, Liberty Excavating. He successfully contracted with a number of local general contractors because of his work initiative and trustworthiness. His wife, "Tootsie" Joseph, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 44 which was a major loss in his life. Now he is reunited with her and his son Bradley. John was very proud of the success of his 5 surviving sons and grandchildren with regard to their higher education and careers. John is survived by five sons, John B. (Georgia) of Boardman; Keith (Karen) of Canaan, New Hampshire; Brian (Maureen) of Granville, OH; Neal (Carol) of Howland; and Drew (Rose) of Leetonia; a sister, Josephine Johns, of Detroit; eight grandchildren; Brent Barkett (Sandra) of Columbus; Jacquelyn Barkett of Chicago; Scott Barkett of Boston; Mary Newbery of Hubbard; Ben and Maria Barkett of Granville; Jonathan and Andrew Barkett of Leetonia; one great grandchild Tripp of Hubbard. Bedsides his parents, wife and son Bradley, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Mousie and Isabelle Alexander; three brothers, Steve Barkett, George Barkett and Thomas Barkett. Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, April 18, 2016 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., where the Prayers of Incense Prayer Service will take place at 6:30 pm., friends and family may also pay respects on Tuesday morning, April 18, 2016 from 9:00 am until 9:45 am at St. Maron Church, 1555 S. Meridian Rd., Youngstown. Burial will take place at the Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary,sign the guest book and send condolences to the Barkett Family. John's family would like to give thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ben Hayek, Briarfield @ Ashley Circle Nursing home, the Victoria House and Hospice of the Valley for their excellent and loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Fairhaven School, 420 Lincoln Way, Niles, OH, 44446, in memory of his son Bradley Barkett.