Dr. Richard A. Barrows

About

Columbia University

Richard Barrows Obituary

Paramus, NJ

Dr. Richard A. Barrows, 80, of Paramus, NJ, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2008. Richard was Director of music for 28 years for Riverdell Regional High School in Oradell, NJ. It was estimated that he taught the Halleluiah chorus to over 10,000 students.

He received his doctorate in 1965 from Columbia University in New York. He won the Princeton University Prize for Distinguished Secondary School Teaching in New Jersey in 1965. Richard was honored as NJ State Teacher of the Year in 1975.

He was past Dean of Northern Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists from 1966-1969. He performed organ recitals nationally and at Notre Dame in Paris, France. He was also the minister of music at St. Gabriel the Archangel R.C. Church in Saddle River and The Reformed Church of Oradell. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Hackensack, NJ.

Beloved husband of Dorothy (nee Auletta); devoted father of Steven Barrows and his wife, Rosanne of New Windsor, NY and Mark Barrows and his wife, Manuela of Hopatcong, NJ; loving grandfather of Michael, Brian, Richard and Alexis; dear brother of Rosemarie Hewitt, Margaret Emond, Rita McAteer, Bernadette Rallo, Frances Frangipane, Robert Barrows, Thomas Barrows and sister-in-law, Jeri Barrows. He was predeceased by Vincent Barrows and Loretta Carlen. He will be missed dearly and in our hearts always.

Funeral service at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 27 at Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 113 S. Farview Ave., Paramus, NJ and 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Interment in Hackensack Cemetery.

Visiting hours are today, Friday, September 26 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made by check to: The Dr. Richard A. Barrows Memorial Music Scholarship Fund, C/O Steven D. Barrows, 2012 Independence Dr., New Windsor, NY 12553.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Herald-Record from Sep. 26 to Sep. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Barrows

7 Entries

Lisa Spaeth Sommer

October 4, 2008

I was also one of thousands of students who sang in the Hallelujah Chorus every Christmas during my years at River Dell. They were special nights, as we watched the alumni come up to the stage and sing with us. I will also never forget my years of Early Bird Chorus, Bakers Dozen, and America Hurray. Dr. Barrows love of music was inspiring - his dedication will always be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was very loved by many, and will never be forgotten.

Cathy Kroohs

October 1, 2008

I am one of the "over 10,000 students" who learned the Hallelujah Chorus from Dr. Barrows ... I will always remember singing in a chorus of 300+ with the entire football team singing bass but only THREE tenors. And SO much more -- I first heard Ravi Shankar in Humanities class with Dr. Barrows -- not the usual high school class material. To his family, please accept my prayers; may God give you comfort.

Karen Rudman Pinzolo

September 27, 2008

After posting my comment, I was horrified to learn that my memory served me so poorly thinking that Dr. Barrows did not have children and grandchildren. If I offended anyone, I am so terribly sorry as it was not my intention. On the other hand, I'm thrilled to learn of these progeny as they were truly blessed to have such an extraordinary father and grandfather to guide them.

Karen Rudman Pinzolo

September 26, 2008

To the Barrows Family:

My thoughts are with you through this difficult time. I'm so sorry that I never visited Dr. Barrows to let him know that, because of him, I have spent my 30 year career in the arts. He was always so positive and grateful. I remember listening to records that were scratched and he would tell us to imagine that we are listening by the crackling fire. When Spring came he made the entire class go outside to observe a sprig of green that had pushed up and cracked a piece of slate showing off its strength. He knew how to celebrate life! I knew what I wanted to do when I was 17 in his class and I'm still doing it - providing access to the arts - It was his passion that ignited mine. He felt so blessed to spend his life in music and, thanks to him, I am blessed to have a life in the arts. Although he didn't have children of his own, he planted his seeds in many of his students and we are all his children and grateful for his loving guidance. May he enjoy the music of the heavens!

Ray van Straten

September 25, 2008

Dr. Barrows life is cause for a celebration of the ability of one man to give joy to so many. His passion for bringing the appreciation of music to countless individuals will have a generational impact well beyond our time. His relentless commitment to education and dedication to serving God and his fellow man are an example to us all in understanding that we each are endowed with a purpose for greater good. Dr. Barrows lived his purpose fully and the Lord has welcomed him home after his long and successful journey. I am blessed to have known him.

Shelagh Ford

September 25, 2008

Dear Steve, Rosanne, Mike, Brian and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We've seen Mr. Barrow's spirit and great talent exhibited by the boys on stage, what an amazing man.
With deepest sympathy and love, Shelagh, John, James and Shona

Sharon & Jerry DeToro

September 25, 2008

To the Barrows Family-We are friends of Steve, Rosanne, Michael and Brian and are so deeply saddened at the lose of Dr. Barrows. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

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