obert T. Barker, 73, of Manchester, CT passed away on December 18, 2021, with his family by his side after a two-year courageous battle with cancer. Robert dedicated his life to public service. He was a distinguished member of the Manchester Fire Rescue EMS Department for nearly 40 years, serving 29 years as a firefighter and 10 years as Deputy Chief & Fire Marshal. He was recognized in 2001 as Firefighter of the Year and won a distinguished service award in 2006. Robert loved Manchester and always said his job was, "to keep the residents of Manchester safe." Robert was born April 19, 1948, to the late Barbara and Charles Barker. He graduated from Cheney Technical High School and worked as an electrician for four years before becoming a member of the Manchester Fire Rescue EMS Department. During his career he served as President of Local 1579 IAFF for four years, Board Member of Manchester Municipal Federal Credit Union, member of CT Fire Marshals Association, Capital Region Fire Marshal Association, CT Fire Chiefs Association, Town of Manchester Building and Safety committees, the Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration committee, Manchester Elks Lodge #1893, and was a lifetime member of The Hundred Club and the International Association of Arson Investigators. Robert was always involved in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's lives. He was active in PTO organizations, founded the soap box derby program in Manchester and was New England Regional Director of the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. Robert was a car lover and owner of two antique cars. He always participated in Cruisin' on Main, served as Chairman, and was named Cruisin' on Main's Volunteer of the Year in 2018. He was an antique toy collector and was affiliated with the A.C. Gilbert Society.