Obituary of John A. Barr

On December 6, 2022, our beloved Brother, Son, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend, Veteran – John A. Barr - passed away while in the comfort and care of Haven Hospice in Chiefland, Florida. He was 88 years of age. Mr. Barr is survived and preceded by a family that loves and adores him. He is survived by two sons; John Barr (Terry), Fulton, NY and Joseph A. Barr (Shirley Carpenter), Chiefland, FL, five grandchildren; Joseph J. Barr, Williston, FL, Brian Barr, Syracuse, NY, Rebecca Barr McGraw, Marathon, NY, Lisa Barr Conerly (David), Ferris, CA, Heather Barr, Syracuse, NY, seven great grandchildren; Heaven Barr, Delilah Barr, Keilah Freemen, Somiyah Scott, Isiah Barr, Jaliesa Barr and Monasia Conerly. He is survived by his brother; Terry R. Barr (Deb), East Haddam, CT, two sisters; Patricia A. Streeter (Richard), Paoli, PA and Charlotte M. Higgins (Robert), Rockledge, FL and more than fifteen nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his lovely wife Florence Barr (Andrella), Flo’s beloved brother Bobby Andrella, Mr. Barr’s brother Richard E. Barr (Annette Angeli) and his father and mother Alexander “Albie” and Hazel Barr. His family was and always will be his pride and joy. Mr. Barr was born on March 1, 1934 in the Valley section of Syracuse, NY. He grew up with his two sisters Patty and Charlotte, his two brothers Dick and Terry and his Mom and Dad, Hazel and Albie. He loved family picnics and snow days. He attended Valley Academy where he found his way to the Air Force. Upon joining the Air Force, he loyally served during the Korean Conflict 1951 – 1955. During his tenure in the Air Force, Mr. Barr met the love his life Florence Andrella, a beautiful lady and a fabulous cook. They settled in the Syracuse area and loved their life together. Mr. Barr especially enjoyed working on and around his home and properties. They soon had two sons; Joseph and John and, from here, a beautiful family began to grow – as you can see above. Upon honorably completing his Service in the Unites States Air Force, Mr. Barr worked in the machinery and logistics fields for multiple companies, including GE, throughout the Syracuse, NY area. Many of these work experiences honed his incredible handyman talents.

During his retirement in New York then Florida, he impressed all with his handyman gifts. He could fix everything and anything! If you needed anything repaired, you knew to call Mr. Barr who would quickly pop by, fix it and save the day! He loved celebrating holidays and birthdays and will always be remembered for his version of joy he brought to the party! He lit up the room with his jokes and stories. His zest and gratitude for living was larger than life. Always marveling in both the small and big blessings and always knowing how to find the silver lining during the tough times. His generosity and kindness to others blessed so many. He gave hope and laughter to elderly shut-ins in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving while delivering hot dinners volunteering for Little Brothers of Elderly – Philadelphia. He especially felt loved and comforted by the care and support of his grandson Joseph J. Barr. He truly loved his time with Joseph, his great granddaughter Heaven and Joseph’s finance’ Ana in Joseph’s home in Williston, FL. Here, Mr. Barr’s loyal side kick Spot, captured a huge part of his heart that will remain there forever.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home in Lafayette, NY. The service will be live streamed. An interment of his ashes will immediately follow at Valley Cemetery, Nedrow, NY. A private blessing and memorial service for family will take place in late Summer, early Fall of 2023.

In lieu of flowers and donations, Mr. Barr encourages all to reach out to your families, both near and far, and keep them close, to remember that there is always something to be thankful for each and every day and to know that you will always and forever be in his heart.