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BARRY LEIGHTON Obituary
November 18, 1939 - March 1, 2018, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and loved ones on Thursday, March 1st after a long battle with cancer. Born in New York City to the late Florence Nicholls and Lewis C. Leighton, he graduated from Stuyvesant High School, Muhlenberg College and Brooklyn Law School. He practiced personal injury law and worker's compensation law for over forty years in his family law firm, Leighton and Leighton with his late father and his brother Robert. In 1998 the firm merged with Caruso, Spillane, Leighton, Contrastano, Savino and Smollor where he continued working until his retirement in 2013. A life long New Yorker, he also had a home in Fire Island Pines. He leaves behind his brother Robert Leighton and his wife Elizabeth, his sister Diane Leighton Ackerman, his niece Kelly Leighton Ackerman and his partner Steven Halvorsen. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
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Memories and Condolences
for BARRY LEIGHTON
Donna Bichet
July 4, 2025
I am very sad to just learn of Barry´s passing. He was my attorney back in 1981, and was an angel by my side. He helped me enormously. My deepest belated condolences to his family.
Bennett Silverstein
September 17, 2020
Barry was one of the most wonderful people I ever knew. I miss him terribly.
Julia Connolly
February 24, 2019
I'm sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to my nephew, Steven and to Barry's family on the anniversary of Barry's death. Barry is and always will be in my heart. I am grateful for the love that Steven and Barry shared over so many years. You are not forgotten, Barry. Steven, this has to be a very rough time for you. Know that you are loved and you are strong. Sometimes peace comes slowly but the heart and soul are resilient. I wish you love, comfort, and peace. Love always, Aunt Julie
Jeannine
July 28, 2018
I had the honour of knowing Barry since 1965. Words are missing to tell my sadness. Bless you dear. all my thoughts with Steve.
Carmen Rivera
June 2, 2018
Heaven was missing an angel and the Lord called you by name, he said, Barry sit beside me, let me take you by the hand, I need you to stay beside me where you're surrounded by light, where angels will keep you safe and where the sun always shines. with your smile and sense of humor, Heaven's now a better place, here on earth, you will be missed by loved ones and many friends, but in Heaven you'll rejoice and never feel pain again and your job on earth was over life in Heaven never ends.
March 23, 2018
It is with great sadness that we have learned of his passing. He was a wonderful and caring individual and will truly be missed.
Our heart felt sympathy to the family
All our best Patti and Ray Gorman
Rob Caruano
March 12, 2018
Being with Barry was always special and I already miss him deeply. His sharp wit and sense of humor always made for a fun time... he never missed a beat! My thoughts and prayers are with Steve, Diane, Robert and all of Barry's family and friends. Life will be a little less bright without him here to share it.
Peter Sacoulas
March 12, 2018
When I look at everything that is good in my life, it is because of Barry. He was my mentor in life. My best friend and confidant. He will be missed and will always have a special place in my heart.
DEREK TOWNSEND
March 11, 2018
Barry was a dear friend for nearly 30 years. Generous and hospitable ane now, sorely missed,
Julia Connolly
March 7, 2018
My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with Barry's family and my nephew Steve Halvorsen in this time of grief. Barry has been a member of our family for the last 18 years and he was loved by all ... most especially his lifelong partner, Steven. I thank Barry's family for embracing their committed partnership and want you to know that Barry's love has touched deeply not only Steven but our family as well. Barry will never be forgotten for the kind and generous man that he has been. May God's blessings be upon Barry, Steven and all of us in our grief. Steven's Aunt Julie
Deborah Ogden
March 6, 2018
Barry was a beautiful human being with a great heart! I was thrilled when my best friend of 33 years, Steve Halvorsen, and Barry became a couple in 2001! Together they forged a strong loving bond that has lasted for nearly 18 years and since 2012, when Steve moved in with Barry, they made a home together. He will be deeply missed and we are saddened by the loss of him.
Michael Orlando
March 6, 2018
May you Rest In Peace
Atsuko Kurogi
March 5, 2018
Thanks to Barry, Steven and l met and l cherish our friendship, of course, including precious Barry's smile and gererocity. Barry is always in my warm thought and fond memory. Over the rainbow, he is smiling at us every day.....rain or shine.
Mac Orange
March 5, 2018
His light will continue to shine on us and grace us, as did his smile, wit, elegance, humor and sheer, unadulterated class.
I feel so lucky.
Ever to be missed but never to be forgotten.
Barbara Roberts- Advocate
March 5, 2018
Barry was a childhood friend and we shared many kids adventures on our bikes and exploring neighboring parks . So sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathies go to his family and friends. I hold close many fond memories. Barbara Roberts - Advocate
Jeff Halvorsen
March 5, 2018
Sincerest condolences to all of Barry's loved ones, especially my Dear Brother Steve. Barry was a genuinely kind and loving man who loved my Brother intimately and whose kindness and love helped make my Brother the wonderful man that he is today. We'll miss Barry and will never forget the kindness he bestowed on so many!
Love,
Jeff and Cheryl
Des Moines, Iowa
Jeanmarie Halvorsen Paul
March 5, 2018
Barry was a part of our family for the last 17 years
In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit. Epitome of Barry! You will be missed R.I.P.
Stevens sister
Jeanmarie
Ronald Wallace
March 5, 2018
A forever friend for myself and my deceased partner, George Harrison Darby....great times and great memories....R.I.P. our dear friend...XXOO...Ronald L. Wallace
Nadine Haruni
March 5, 2018
Barry was one of the most genuine and wonderful friends I have ever had...he always had a nice word to say about everyone and you could always count on him for a laugh. He was the best...and lucky to be surrounded by his beautiful family and his amazing life partner, Steve at the end. Hearts are broken all over with this news...Miss you, my friend.
Jeanmarie Halvorsen Paul
March 5, 2018
Barry was a part of our family for 17 years. In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.. and boy did Barry have one. He will be missed and R.i.P
Stevens sister
Jeanmarie
Roberta Cohn Kaplan
March 2, 2018
Barry was my childhood neighbor and brother of my friend Diane. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences.
Barrie Cohn
March 2, 2018
Barry was a wonderful part of my childhood and has always been in my memories.I send my heartfelt condolences.
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