Peter E Barck

Peter E. Barck of Marlborough, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 94. Peter lived a long and extraordinary life, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement, countless adventures in nature, and a deep, abiding love for his family.

Peter was born in Milan, Italy, and raised in Karlsruhe, West Germany. A spirited and inquisitive man who delighted in the outdoors, Peter loved hiking and cycling through the Swiss and Italian Alps with his brother Ekki. When his mother was diagnosed with a long-term illness in the 1950’s (Peter’s father perished in WWII), the difficult decision was made for Peter to emigrate to The United States, work, and possibly take over a relative’s farm in Wisconsin.

Farming, it turned out, was not his calling. Peter soon enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Madison instead, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering — and, just as importantly, met and fell deeply in love with nursing student Judith Olsen. Upon graduation, he became a naturalized citizen, and the two were married.

Peter’s career brought the young couple to Massachusetts, where he joined MIT Lincoln Laboratories and contributed to some of the most consequential technologies of the twentieth century. Peter helped develop some of the very first integrated circuits, early missile defense systems, satellite thermal imaging, and global positioning systems (GPS).

In retirement, Peter often marveled over technology’s meteoric rise and how grateful he was to see the computing rise from his vacuum tube prototypes to today’s powerful microchips.

Peter enjoyed time with his six children — working on cars late into the evenings, taking pictures with his daughter and her horses, teaching science and photography, and chaperoning school field trips. Regrettably, Peter’s work ethic was relentless and consuming, and He and Judith divorced after 22 years, whilst maintaining a warm and supportive relationship.

As the children became adults, Peter’s love of the outdoors led him to the Appalachian Mountain Club, where fate intervened once more. On a wintry New Year’s Eve at Mt. Cardigan Lodge, he met Dr. Suzanne Irujo- and was instantly smitten. The two were soon married and together they hand-built a post-and-beam home overlooking Mt. Cardigan. Peter & Sue’s two families (Sue had three children) made many, wonderful winter memories at “Our House” in New Hampshire and on “Senior Island” (part of Sue’s childhood home in Minocqua, Wisconsin) in the summers.

As the years progressed, travel became harder, Peter & Sue moved to Marlboro Massachusetts to be closer to family.

While Peter’s passing leaves a void for all who survive him, it is his gratitude and love that we most remember and cherish. Peter constantly expressed his immeasurable appreciation for his life and its events. He spoke of his love and thankfulness for Judith, Sue, and their beautiful families in every conversation. Peter was especially proud of his children, grandchildren, their partners, and all his other extended family and friends.

Peter was predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Dr. Suzanne Irujo; his brother, Ekkhart Barck (Claudia); and his grandson, Keith Evan Barck.

He is survived by his first wife of 22 years, Judith Olsen of West Bend, Wisconsin, and their six children: Maribeth (Mark) Beauchamp; Peter David (Mona) Barck; Paul (Alicia) Barck; John (Nancy) Barck; Stephen Barck and his partner Laura McDonald; and Timothy (Megan) MacLaughlin-Barck. He is further mourned by Sue’s children, Tony (Christine) Irujo, Manuel (Diane) Irujo, and Dan Irujo; Peter’s sister, Monika Krause (Wolfgang Gruber) of Germany; and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Thank you Dad! We love you!

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