October 12, 2016

John B. Barnini ’40; centenarian provided longstanding support for capital projects, student aid

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Barnini and his three daughters

John B. “Slip” Barnini ’40, a loyal benefactor and alumnus who exhibited his gratitude for his Providence College education throughout his lifetime, died on Jan. 17, 2016, at 101.

A three-sport athlete during his undergraduate days, Mr. Barnini frequently voiced his appreciation for the full scholarship he received to attend PC, noting he arrived as a freshman with just seven cents.

During his lifetime, he became one of the College’s leading benefactors as a member of the 1917 Society’s Platinum Torchbearer level, which recognizes lifetime giving of $1 million or more.

Mr. Barnini’s longstanding philanthropy supported such notable campus projects as the restoration of Harkins Hall and Dominic House and the construction of St. Dominic Chapel, the Smith Center for the Arts, and the Concannon Fitness Center. He established a scholarship fund in his name to benefit students with financial need from three cities in New England, and he regularly contributed to scholarship funds in honor of Dominican friars at PC.

“John is one of the finest people I have been privileged to be associated with in my many years at PC,” said Joseph P. Brum ’68, special assistant to the president for development projects, after Mr. Barnini had made a $1 million pledge in 2009 to support reconstruction work in Harkins Hall. “He is a charismatic, gracious, and thoughtful man.”

His family said Mr. Barnini was humbled when, in 1990 on the occasion of his 50th reunion year at PC, he received the Golden Friar Award. Several years later, he was presented a service award by the National Alumni Association. In May 2014, the College honored him on his 100th birthday with a framed Friar athletics jersey, a citation from College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 and the Board of Trustees, and a plaque that thanked “a Providence College Legend” for his support and generosity.

His athletic talent in basketball, football, and baseball earned Mr. Barnini a full-scholarship offer to attend PC, where he went on to major in philosophy and letter in three sports. In 1938, he etched a name for himself in the College’s early athletics lore when, during a football game against Xavier University, he left the Friars’ sidelines to tackle an opponent who was racing toward a touchdown.

Following graduation, Mr. Barnini played professional football for the Providence Steamrollers and taught and coached at Woonsocket High School in the northern part of the state. He then began a career in construction and real estate development that spanned eight decades and was based primarily in Manchester, Conn., where he resided for more than 50 years. He founded and served as president of J.B. Enterprises and Investments, a real estate development firm. After retirement, he moved to Boca Raton, Fla.

Born in Pittsfield, Mass., Mr. Barnini was married for 64 years to Bettina N. (Hale) Barnini. In addition to their family, one of their greatest joys was traveling to Italy, where they took numerous trips to visit with Mr. Barnini’s family and friends in the towns of Certaldo and San Gimignano.

His survivors include his daughters, Donna Bechtold, Susan Kielman, and Bonnie Krawiec; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Services?

Contributions in his memory may be made to the John B. Barnini Scholarship Fund in care of Providence College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918-0001.