Peter Joseph Barca

Peter Joseph Barca, 91, passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2025 on Cape Cod. He was deeply loved by his ten children, twenty grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Born in South Boston, Peter was the second of six children raised in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. After serving three years in the US Navy, he graduated from the University of Massachusetts. In 1957, Peter married Kristin (Hammond) Barca, whom he met while they worked at Harwich Port’s iconic Snow Inn and Thompson’s Clam Bar. Settling in Harwich, they raised five children together. In 1978, Peter married his soulmate, Martha (Slade) Barca, and together they raised five more children in a beautiful old house in West Harwich, where he resided until his passing.
“Mr. Barca” was a beloved mathematics teacher at Dennis-Yarmouth Regional High School for over three decades. Even in his final weeks, he and his family often encountered former students on the Cape and beyond who fondly recalled their time with him. He also spent years moonlighting as a bartender, notably as a co-owner of the Windjammer in Hyannis.
Peter was an enthusiastic gardener and fisherman, passions he shared with many of his children. He meticulously maintained his 19th-century home and yard, tending to his bountiful vegetable garden, trimming lilacs, and annually applying fresh coats of white paint. He was proud of his athleticism and enjoyed playing tennis even at ninety. He walked almost daily, in all weather conditions, often through the woods to the Herring Run and his late wife Martha’s memorial bench. He was renowned for his ability to jiggle a baby to sleep and delightedly kept track of the accomplishments of all his children and grandchildren. In his later years, nothing brought him more joy at the end of the day than sharing stories and a cocktail under his pergola with friends
and family.
Peter is survived by his siblings, Mary Ann Roche of Hingham, MA, Elaine Crowley of Duxbury, MA, and Frank Barca of Ashburn, VA; his ten children: Lisa Barca-Hall, Michael Barca, Timothy Barca, Erik Barca, Rebecca Barca-Tinus, Marc Prodgers, Michael Prodgers, Keith Prodgers, Matthew Barca, and Sarah Barca-Mendez; along with twenty grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Harwich Conservation Trust.
For online condolences, please visit www. nickersonfunerals.com