Frank Barber Sr.

Frank Barber Sr., of Clemons, NY, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 5th at the age of 82. Born on September 22, 1942, in Ticonderoga, NY, he was the eldest child of Julian and Lillian (Sawyer) Barber.

After graduating from Whitehall High School, Frank worked in the construction industry and also enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served honorably for seven years, being discharged in 1967. Upon leaving the construction sector, he began what would become a 35-year career with the International Paper Company in Ticonderoga, NY.  He retired in 1997 as an instrumentation and electrical (I&E North) foreman. Frank was highly respected for his reliable work ethic and professional approach throughout his time with IP.

Beyond his career, Frank served several years as Dresden Town Justice in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He also ran a successful sporting goods business for many years. He greatly enjoyed camping and boating with his family and friends on Lake Champlain for many years throughout his lifetime.

Deeply devoted to his friends and family, Frank instilled in his children the importance of higher education, fiscal responsibility, and saving for retirement. Friends and neighbors remember Frank’s generosity and quick wit; he was always ready to lend a hand whenever needed and was widely regarded as a kind and giving man. 

In retirement, Frank enjoyed daily rides throughout the area, attending county fairs, and traveling to Wells Beach, ME, and Jekyll Island, GA. He volunteered countless hours refurbishing the Dresden Baptist Church. Frank was a proud member of Phoenix Lodge #96 and Eureka Lodge #75 F&AM, recently achieving 55 years of service. He was also a member of the Dresden Volunteer Fire Company, serving for several years as a fire policeman for the department.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his siblings, John Barber, Ruth Eagan, and Patricia Fishlock, as well as several in-laws, including his dear brother-in-law, Howard Jero.

Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Betty Barber, along with his son, Frank Barber Jr. and his wife Kim, and his daughter, Vicki Palmer and her husband Joseph. He is also survived by his four cherished grandsons: Julian Barber, Zachary Barber, Hunter Ostrander, and Sawyer Ostrander, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the G-wing staff at Fort Hudson skilled nursing facility for their unwavering support and care provided to Frank over the past several years as he battled the advancing stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Additional thanks go to his niece, Tammy (Jero) Harte, for all her visits and support for him and his wife as the disease progressed.

A graveside service will be conducted at Clemons Cemetery, Clemons, NY, on Friday July 11, at 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Frank’s name to one of the following organizations: Dresden Volunteer Fire Company, 14092 NY-22, Clemons, NY 12819, Fort Hudson Health System, 319 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, or Eureka Lodge # 75 F&AM, 131 N. Main Street, Fair Haven, VT 05743.

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