Brookline-based mechanical contractor DECCO Inc. has dedicated its Center for Craft Excellence in memory of Executive Vice President Tim Barton, who died unexpectedly on June 27.  

Barton was a company director and was responsible for recruitment, retention and workforce training. 

The building helps train DECCO’s apprentices and workers. Barton was an advocate for merit shop construction and training in New England, the company said in a statement, having mentored many in the construction industry.  

Under Barton’s direction, DECCO’s federally registered apprentice program for pipefitting and plumbing has received national accolades and produced nine Associated Builders and Contractors National Craft Champions and 14 local Massachusetts Craft Champions. The company has put over 100 staffers through its apprentice program in 15 years, all of whom went on to earn licensure in their respective trades. Barton also formed a relationship between DECCO’s apprenticeship program and MY TURN, a Manchester-based youth services organization.  

“Under Tim’s leadership, DECCO has been recognized as a leader focused on promoting, educating and 

mentoring the next generation within the building trades,” DECCO CEO Kyle Reagan said in a statement. “There was no question that our Craft Training Center should be renamed to honor Tim’s legacy and the continued promotion of careers in the construction trades.”