MOW Mourns Track Worker Freddy Barton; Was Also Hip Hop Pioneer

Track Workers are mourning the passing of Freddy Barton, 59, who died on October 11th. An active member, he had 17 years of service with New York City Transit, most recently working out of East New York as part of T-3. He passed away at home and was found by family members. He leaves to mourn his daughter, Sydnee Barton.

Track Divison Chair Carlos Albert said: "There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man whether it was flagging for us on the union safety task force or just being there when he was needed by his union." He recalled seeing him at the recent Track pick, joking around, and giving him a hug. "Fred will be missed dearly," he added. "This one hits very close. It's a big loss for our union, our Track Division, and also for the hip hop community."

Brother Barton was known as DJ Freddy B, one of the pioneers of the Brooklyn "Bum-Rush" sound, and produced an underground hit, "The Main Event," according to the website rockthebells.com. You can read his obituary here.

Track officers including Shannon Poland expressed their condolences to the family. Condolences were also sent by President Richard Davis and former MOW VP and current Secretary-Treasurer John V. Chiarello.

There will be a viewing for Brother Barton on Friday, October 27th from 2PM to 5PM, followed by a service from 5PM to 7PM at the Frank R. Bell funeral home at 536 Sterling Place in Brooklyn. A repass will follow the service. There will be a final viewing on Saturday, October 28th at 9AM followed by interment at the Canarsie Cemetery at 1370 Remsen Avenue in Brooklyn