Barry Habecker

MSgt. Barry Habecker, beloved husband, father, and cherished family member, passed away on January 24, 2026, in St. Albans, Vermont, at the age of 90. Born on May 22, 1935, in Wagontown, Pennsylvania, Barry lived a life defined by service, love, and deep commitment to his community.

Barry grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from Scott High School in Coatesville. He eventually met the love of his life, Phyllis (née Tatro), before enlisting in the United States Air Force and beginning a life of shared adventure and dedication. Together they raised their three sons, Randy, Robert, and Ricky Habecker, while traveling across the country during Barry’s military career.

Barry proudly served nearly three decades in the Air Force, including deployment to Vietnam. While overseas, he was stationed with the 377th Air Police Squadron at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon. In the early morning hours of December 4, 1966, the base was attacked by Viet Cong forces. During the assault, three American servicemen, three Vietnamese personnel, and twenty aircraft were killed or destroyed. At approximately 1:00 a.m., enemy forces led by Lê Minh Xuân breached the base and launched mortars and grenades. Barry was injured when the vehicle he was traveling in was struck by a mortar, resulting in embedded shrapnel in his back that could not be removed.

Due to his injuries, Barry was transported to the U.S. Army 3rd Field Hospital. After regaining consciousness several days later, he was awarded the Purple Heart by Tan Son Nhut’s base commander, Colonel Grover K. Coe. During his service, Barry was also exposed to Agent Orange, which ultimately contributed to his passing.

While stationed in the United States, Barry served as a sentry dog handler. Remarkably, at just 32 years old, he became the Town of Milton’s first police chief in 1968. Alongside Phyllis, who handled dispatch calls from their home, Barry helped build the Milton Police Department into the strong organization it is today.

Barry is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Phyllis, and his son, Randy Habecker. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Nelson; his niece, Wanda Owens; his nephew, Bill Nelson; and his loyal companion dog of many years, Gracie. He leaves behind numerous cousins and friends who will remember him for his kindness, strength, and warmth.

He was predeceased by his father, Abraham Habecker; his mother, Grace Habecker; his sons, Robert and Ricky Habecker; his sister, Betty Lou Habecker; and his brother, James Root.

Visiting hours will be held at the Georgia Plains Baptist Church in Georgia on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, beginning at 12:00pm with a memorial service at 1:00pm. Following the service, a reception will be held in the vestry with light refreshments. The committal service will be held in the Spring of 2026 at St. Anthony’s Cemetery in Sheldon and announced at a later date.

The Habecker family extends their most heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Genesis St. Albans Health and Rehabilitation, as well as their beloved church family, who were a constant pillar of support for both Barry and Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, Barry requested that Phyllis establish a fund to support the Milton Police Department’s retired K9s with medical expenses and long-term care. Donations may be mailed to her at: 210 Manley Road, Milton, VT 05468.