Stewart Clair Barber, a legendary Buffalo Bills offensive tackle who helped the franchise capture back-to-back AFL Championships in the 1960s, died peacefully at his home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. He was 85 years old, passing just three days before his 86th birthday on June 14.
The Buffalo Bills announced Barber’s death on Sunday, mourning the loss of one of their most accomplished players from the AFL era. Barber was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, according to his obituary.
Born in Bradford, Pennsylvania on June 14, 1939, to Arthur Clair Barber and Jeanne Stewart Barber, Stew Barber displayed athletic prowess from an early age. He broke his father’s high school shot put record at Bradford Area High School and received full scholarship offers in both basketball and football.
Barber chose football and starred at Penn State, where he earned All-American honors as an offensive tackle during his senior season. It was also at Penn State where he met his future wife, Vicki Serwatka. The couple met in December and married in July, with Vicki spending their honeymoon in Evanston, Illinois while Stew attended training camp.
Upon graduating college in 1961, Barber faced a significant decision when both the Buffalo Bills and Dallas Cowboys selected him in their respective drafts. The Bills chose him in the fourth round of the AFL Draft, while the Cowboys selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft. Barber ultimately elected to join Buffalo, citing the team’s proximity to his Pennsylvania home.
Barber’s professional career began as an outside linebacker, where he recorded three interceptions as a rookie, including one returned for a touchdown. He later transitioned to offensive tackle to protect quarterback Jack Kemp, a move that would define his legacy with the franchise.
Over his nine-season career with Buffalo from 1961 to 1969, Barber played in 112 consecutive games, missing only one contest due to injury. He earned five AFL All-Star selections and received two first-team All-AFL honors in 1963 and 1964. His exceptional play helped anchor the offensive line for Bills teams that captured AFL Championships in both 1964 and 1965.
Barber retired following the 1969 season, one year before the AFL-NFL merger, meaning he never played in an NFL game despite his distinguished professional career. His contributions to the Bills’ success during their championship years established him as one of the premier offensive tackles in AFL history.
Following his playing career, Barber remained connected to the Bills organization in various capacities. He initially worked as a college scout before advancing through the front office ranks. From 1979 to 1982, he served as the team’s Vice President and General Manager. He also spent time coaching with the New York Stars and Charlotte Hornets in the World Football League during the mid-1970s.
After his final retirement from the Bills in 1983, Barber transitioned to private business before eventually relocating to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he and Vicki built their dream home. The couple celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Barber is survived by his wife Vicki, three daughters Tracey Richter of East Aurora, New York, Jennifer Beall of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Alicia Barber of Goose Creek, South Carolina. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Allison, Grace and Darren. His sister Pam Meredith of Maryland, nephew Tim Meredith, two nieces and a great-niece also survive him.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, Michelle and Rebekah Barber. Family members described him as a humble man with an incredible work ethic that he passed down to his children. His daughters remembered him as their gentle giant and greatest supporter who never allowed channel changes during Sunday football games.
According to his obituary, “Stew’s last words to any of us whenever we left him were always, ‘Watch out for the other guy.'”
Private services will be held in East Aurora, New York at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc, Mount Pleasant Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Barber’s legacy with the Bills remains significant, as he was part of the franchise’s only championship teams. His contributions during the AFL era helped establish Buffalo as a premier football destination, though the team has not won a Super Bowl since the AFL-NFL merger.
