Paul M. Barrow

Paul Michael Barrow, 61, of Middletown died peacefully in his home Tuesday, August 23, 2016. Mr. Barrow was born February 26, 1955 in Ripley, Tennessee. He is the son of the late Paul English and the late Ilene Sterling Barrow. Paul (Mike) graduated from URI in 1980 with a B.S. in Physical Education. In 1982 he attended Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. Mike served aboard five warships and was deployed to Japan, the Persian Gulf and twice to the Mediterranean Sea. He was a qualified Surface Warfare Officer, Tactical Action Officer and Engineering Officer. He received the Naval Commendation, Naval Achievement and National Defense Medals. Mike resigned his commission in 1993 with the rank of Lieutenant. Returning to Middletown in 2000, Mike continued his education by obtaining a bachelor degree in nursing from U.R.I. He had worked as a licensed RN pursuing a career as a private care nurse in the health-care field for several years until his cancer diagnosis.While working to better the lives of others, Mike sought peace and calmness in nature. He was a member of the Norman Bird Sanctuary, and loved taking walks around Sachuest Point, where he enjoyed observing wildlife and native birds. Mike loved his pets. Along with his cat Wilbur, Mike adopted an African Grey Parrot, whom he named Hope. Mike is survived by his brother, Timothy Sterling and his wife Barbara Adrienne Barrow, of Middletown and his nieces Jessica and Lindsay, as well as his nephew Timothy Barrow Jr.He is preceded in death by his brother, Patrick M. Barrow.Donations, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated to Hospice and Palliative Care of RI.Calling hours will be held on Thursday August 25, 2016 from 4-7pm in the Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway in Newport.His funeral will be held on Friday August 26, 2016 at 11am in the funeral home.Burial will be at Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. Cemetery Details Rhode Island Veteran's Memorial Cemetery 301 South County Trail Exeter, RI, 02822 Visitation AUG 25. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service AUG 26. 11:00 AM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com