Obituary

Richard “Dick” Barra, 81, passed away February 11, 2023, at Imboden Creek Nursing Home in Decatur, Illinois. Dick was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on November 22, 1941, the son of Joseph and Pearl (DePretto) Barra. Dick married Jacquelyn “Lynn” Naber on November 24, 2001 in Decatur, IL and she survives him.
Dick is also survived by his children Michael (Jaime) Barra, Susan (Michael) Medinger, and Sharon Barra from former wife Carolyn Barra; stepchildren Dave Naber, Laura (Keith) McElyea, Matthew (Marcie) Naber, and Jennifer (Daniel) Kirk; 3 grandsons; 1 granddaughter; 4 step-grandsons; 5 step-granddaughters; 8 great-grandchildren; and several cousins.
After graduating from high school, he went on to graduate from Michigan Tech University earning a degree in chemistry. During his professional career he built several chemical plants, including one in Decatur.
Dick was also an accomplished wood worker making many pieces of furniture for loved ones, a fantastic cook, and an all-around handyman. He enjoyed helping the children at St. Patrick School prepare for the Rube Goldberg engineering contest for many years. He was a member of Holy Family Parish. 
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Marion and Mabel, and brother Joseph. 
Moran and Goebel Funeral Home is providing cremation services for Dick. Visitation will be held from 10am to 11am on Saturday, March 4 at Holy Family Church in Decatur. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00am. Burial will take place on Monday March 6 at Mother of God Cemetery in Latonia, Kentucky. Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish or Alzheimers Association. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.