Thomas H. Barringer, PhD., 73, of Stockton, NJ, died on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at his home. Dr. Barringer was born on May 10, 1943, in Charleston, WV. In 1966 he graduated with a BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served during the Vietnam War, Dr. Barringer served from 1966 to 1972, attaining the rank of captain.
He worked for the Appalachian Mountain Club in Pinkham Notch, NH, Concord, NH and Boston, MA, and then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his MA in regional planning, his MA (1980) and his PhD (1984) in regional science. From 1983 to 1999, Dr. Barringer was a scientist, hydrologist, and statistician for the U.S. Geological Survey. In subsequent years he served on the Stockton Environmental Commission and the planning board. He was a member of the Appalachian Mountain Club and a life member of the Sierra Club. He enjoyed classical music and jazz.
He is survived by his wife, Julia L. Barringer, PhD, a hydrologist and research geochemist with the U.S. Geological Survey; his half-brothers, Robert and Ralph Barringer; his half-sister, Helen Gerhard; his step-brother, James Leggett and their spouses and children. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 50 York St., Lambertville, NJ 08530. In lieu of flowers and other tributes, the Barringer family requests donations be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02108 (outdoors.org/tribute).