The Honorable David Barry Kahl

The Honorable David Barry Kahl passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026.

As a man of German descent and practicing curmudgeon largely uninterested in emotion and detail, he would prefer the obituary ended here. Considering he married an avid literary enthusiast, and his eldest son is a trained writer, we shall continue, as he's no longer here to object.

David was born October 29, 1948, and raised in Corning, NY by his mother, Joyce and father, Fritz. After a brief stint as a single man, he met Patricia (Patty) Bennett during their elementary school years, an enduring friendship that ultimately led to 57 years of marriage. Among other accomplishments, he raised two children, Brian Kahl (Shannon Clark) and Laura Kahl. He was also incredibly pleased to have met and loved his two grandchildren, Camerynn Kahl and Jayden Clark-Kahl.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Hobart College. After then graduating from Boston University Law School in 1973, he and Patty moved back to Corning, where he started a successful law practice focused primarily on family and real estate law. In the early 1990's (he was unavailable to confirm exact dates), he was elected as City Court Judge for Corning, much to the joy of the town's law-abiding citizens, and the dismay of its ne'er-do-wells. He served faithfully and honestly as the judge for approximately 35 years, earning the enduring nickname "Judge" which, admittedly, wasn't notably creative, but very accurate. As in life, he will henceforth be referred to as such.

Judge was active in his community, chairing annual fundraising drives for the United Way and serving as one-time President of the Kiwanis Club. He also played a critical role in starting the New York State Drug Treatment Courts, demonstrating his passion and dedication to helping at-risk youth find their path to success.

To say Judge was an avid golfer is to say Shakespeare "dabbled in theater." As the 1996 Corning Country Club Champion and winner of various other tournaments, he played as much golf as possible, for as many days as possible, until the sticks could no longer be swung. Even then, he still regularly showed up at the Club for purely social reasons. He also greatly enjoyed the family cottage on Keuka Lake, fishing off the dock and telling related tales. A man of routine, he regularly occupied his favorite seat at the bar at Three Birds in Corning, even if his assigned mission was to secure groceries at Wegmans. In this way, he truly embodied the mantra "life is short – do both."

Judge is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother Dr. Steven Kahl of Portola Valley, CA, numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, and countless nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Dr. Leslie Kahl of Portland, OR.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 2-4pm at Haughey Funeral Home, 216 E. First Street in Corning. A large and gregarious Celebration of Life will be held at the Corning Country Club in late March, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

Judge's family has entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.

www.haugheyfuneralhome.com