William James Barr

William James Barr

November 15, 1926 - January 09, 2016

William James Barr

November 15, 1926 - January 09, 2016

Obituary

William (Bill) J. Barr was born on November 15, 1926, in Plattekill, New York. He was the son of Robert and Margaret Barr who had immigrated to America from Northern Ireland. Bill attended a one-room schoolhouse with his older sister, Anne and his younger brother, Bobby. Because of his strong academic skills, he skipped two grades and graduated from high school when he was only 16 years old.

When he turned 17, Bill joined the US Navy and served in WWII in the Pacific. When the war was over, he attended Rider University in New Jersey on the GI Bill and graduated in three years with a degree in accounting. Upon graduation, he went to work for the Newburgh Savings Bank, where he stayed (through its many name changes) for his entire 50 year banking career. He rose to President of the Newburgh Savings Bank and later served on its board of directors.

It was after Bill began his banking career that he married his wife of 65 years, Nancy J. Gribbin. They had four children together, Bruce, Mark, Robert and Margaret. Bill was also very active in his community. He volunteered as a Boy Scout leader for 16 years, and was an elder and treasurer for both the Calvary Presbyterian Church and the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church. He was on the board of directors for the McQuade Foundation, volunteered at the veteran’s hospital, and volunteered at the Center for Disability Services in Albany, helping to teach gardening.

Bill had a strong faith in God, and involvement in church was an important part of his life. He enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid golfer, tennis player, fisherman, swimmer and cross-country skier. He also loved gardening and cooking.

Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Anne, and sons, Bruce and Mark. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his brother, Bobby, two of his children, Robert and Margaret, his daughter in-laws, Kikue, Donna, Caroline, and Mika, son in-law, Ramin; his 11 grandchildren, Randy, Kara, Melanie, William, Nancy-Kate, Kiko, Kana, Emily, Claire, Kazuma and Sayo, and his 6 great grandchildren, Alexis, Zachary, Benjamin, Jillian, Elliott, and Miles.

Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He died with his family at his side after a long illness. He was beloved and respected by his entire family and community. His presence will be greatly missed.

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5 responses to William James Barr

  1. Good memories of Bill. A conservative with a heart and a mind.

    Rev. Glenn and Jennie Henricksen

  2. Grandpa was such an influential, gifted human being. It is difficult to
    describe his legacy with just one memory. I’ll always remember him as a
    principled man who possessed a deep love for his family and an even deeper
    love for God. In many ways, he taught me how to live, what to cherish, and
    who to put my faith in. I can only hope to have the same positive influence
    on my children and grandchildren.

  3. Bill was also a great father-in-law. My friends were all jealous of me for having a father-in-law like him. He was always there for my kids and me especially after Bruce passed and was such a comfort to us.

    We miss him more than we can say. We’ll think about you and talk about you.

  4. Melissa Barr says:

    I will always remember Grandpa Barr cooking chicken parmesan in Margaret’s kitchen and sneaking Charlie a few bites. It was always so evident how much he loved his family and enjoyed serving others. His generosity is inspiring.

  5. Dan Murray says:

    My first memory of my uncle bill goes back to when I was about three, so probably 1950. We were standing under a large maple tree at the Fifth Ave house in Newburgh. I looked away briefly and he was gone. I started looking all around, then my mother pointed up the tree. He must have climbed up that tree faster than a squirrel. I thought he was magic.

    My mother attended the same one room school. As you advanced a grade they would move you up a seat. He was a better student than my mother and she said she would always be looking over her shoulder for fear he would pass her. He was always in a hurry.

    He was a great role model and I always enjoyed our visits, I’ll miss him.

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