Lawrence C. Barone

Sackets Harbor resident Lawrence C. Barone, age 80, died on Wednesday, October 8th at Hospice of Jefferson County. 

A native of Batavia, New York, Lawrence graduated from Eastridge High School, Rochester. He earned a BS degree in Art Education from the State University College at Buffalo, NY, and an MFA in printmaking from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA. 

Larry taught art at Gates-Chili Central School District NY and at Agawam Public School District MA. He retired from the Horseheads NY school district. 

He loved teaching and served as a mentor to students. Parents of one of his high school students wrote: “Larry has always been someone special to us. He saw in our son that which many others did not or overlooked. We are indebted to Larry for the guidance that he gave our son, without which he would not have become the man that he is today.”

In 2002, Larry and his wife, Constance Brennan Barone, relocated to her hometown Sackets Harbor, where he opened the Gallery-Fine Art. He continued as a teacher, offering courses through Jefferson Community College on campus and at Ft. Drum.

During his career as a printmaker and pastel painter, Larry’s artwork was featured in one-man shows and group shows in New York, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. His work is in notable private and public collections, from the Vatican Collection in Rome to the Library of Congress, to the Delaware Art Museum, and the University of Pennsylvania. He was a recipient of numerous art awards across the United States, including the Northeast National Pastel Show, Old Forge NY, Past Presidents’ Award Northwest Pastel Society, Tacoma WA, and the West Coast Pastel Award.

Larry’s missions in life spanned the arts and public service. He was elected as a Village of Sackets Harbor Trustee 2006 – 2010; appointed to the Sackets Harbor ZBA 2012-2025. He designed the information sign on the Village Municipal building and the Village’s logo for use in graphic design applications. Larry also served several terms as a Trustee of the Sackets Harbor Historical Society. And in 2005, Lawrence and Constance were nominated Citizens of the Year.

A friend noted: “Larry’s wealth of knowledge about our history was invaluable in guiding our village while honoring our roots. We were often amazed how, when almost any question came up, he could recall its historical significance and guide us to a thoughtful solution. Always available and always willing to help, his contributions will never be forgotten.”

Larry and Connie enjoyed mountain climbing in the Adirondacks, kayaking, and canoeing. With fishing partners, he enjoyed many fly-fishing trips to Montana or exploring fishing streams in the Northeast.

A devoted son-in-law to Robert and Jeannie Brennan, he was married to their daughter Constance for 55 years. He is survived by his wife, Connie; his sister Janet (Dominic) Lovria, Batavia NY; sister Ann (Michael) Francis, Osprey FL; sister Elizabeth (Edward) Fowler, Rochester NY; and brother Samuel (Pamela) Prunedale CA. Lawrence was predeceased by his brother Charles and his parents Samuel and Carmella.

From a friend: “There were so many people who appreciated his way of opening their minds and hearts to the beauty that is around us all the time. He has earned this rest, this respite from pain. Those of us who have come to know him have all been blessed. It is our work to take good care of ourselves so we can pass the blessing along, to pay it forward.”

Larry was a communicant of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Sackets Harbor NY.

Calling hours Thursday evening, October 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Sackets Harbor, followed by a Funeral Mass on Friday morning, October 17th at 11:00 a.m.  Arrangements are with the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown NY 13601, designated for the Brennan-Barone Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.