Barry R. Niles

LEOMINSTER- Barry R. Niles, 68, of Leominster, died Monday, December 4, in his home, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Barry was born October 24, 1949, in Ilion, NY, son of the late Robert C. Niles and the late Louise (Mogensen) Niles Lagoy. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1967. Barry served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He attained the rank of Specialist 4 and awarded the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service in support of military operations against communist aggression in the Republic of Vietnam. He worked 36 years in the polystyrene manufacturing industry within the same company in various positions from bulk loading operator to shift supervisor. Barry loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed visiting our National Parks, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Foxwoods and Las Vegas, and bowling with his good friends, Mike and Deb McKenna of Ashburnham. Barry leaves his best friend and devoted partner of 20 years, Lynette Hamel and her two children, Zach Hamel of Las Vegas and Shannon Hamel of Leominster, and her two children, Chandler and Hunter, with whom he enjoyed spending a lot of time with; three brothers, Rick Niles and his wife, Lisa of Leominster, David Niles of Albany, NY, and Elrick Lagoy of Milo, ME; one sister, Becky Letko and her husband, William of Voorheesville, NY; his step mother, Marilyn Niles of Delmar, NY; niece, Jennifer Niles and her partner, Amy Currier of Methuen; nephew, Chris Niles of San Francisco, CA; many other loving relatives and friends. Besides his parents, Barry was predeceased by a brother, Kipp Niles. Barry’s family would like to thank Aggie from Beacon Hospice for the wonderful care she provided. The funeral will be held Saturday, December 9, at 10:00 AM at St. Cecilia’s Church, 180 Mechanic St., Leominster. Burial will follow in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, December 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Simard Funeral Home, 14 Walker St., Leominster. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.