Francis Vincent Barnes, Ph.D., 72, of Tinicum Township, PA passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
Francis was well known as the former superintendent of Palisades School District, as well several other schools in Pennsylvania. He was the first African American to serve as the PA State Secretary of Education, under Governor Ed Rendell.
Son of the late John H. and Anna Mae (Henderson) Barnes, Francis is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patricia “Patti” J. (Gahagan) Barnes, his son Travis Barnes and his wife Ramona of Purchase, NY; his daughter Tanya Ripley of Mt. Laurel, NJ, and his five grandchildren Malakai, Kaden, Miko, Kendall, and Magnolia.
A Celebration of Francis’ Life will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at 10AM at the Palisades High School Athletic Field, 35 Church Hill Road, Kintnersville, PA and will be officiated by the Reverend Timothy Taylor. Arrangements are under the care of the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home, 24 Church Road, Milford, NJ.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dr. Francis V. Barnes Scholarship.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.JohnsonWalton.com.
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