David Thornton Barr

1927 - 2017

Barr, David Thornton

David Thornton Barr, 89, died on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Bridges Cornell Heights in Ithaca NY. David was born on December 12, 1927 at the Tompkins Memorial Hospital on Quarry Street in Ithaca. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joy L. Barr, his son Derek (Shara), his daughter Kimberly of Palm Desert, CA and his granddaughter Abigail. David was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Marion Barr and his sister Priscilla Binshadler.

David was a third generation Ithacan. He attended Ithaca High School, then Admiral Billard Academy in New London, CT. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946, served on the USS Corry (DD-817) overseas and was honorably discharged in 1948. Following his service in the United States Navy, he attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY, he then returned to Ithaca and became a car salesman. In 1956, he joined his father at J.S. Barr and Company, the investment firm his father founded in 1924. He had a seat on the New York Stock Exchange and found great satisfaction helping local Ithacans realize their financial goals. He also took the company from ticker tape to computers before his retirement in 2005.

David loved Ithaca and gave back to the community throughout his life. In the late 1950's, he co-founded the Ithaca Pee Wee Hockey Program with Dave Cutting and Paul Patten, the Cornell Hockey Coach, at the time. He also co-founded the Cornell Varsity Hockey Boosters Club with Paul Patton and Sam Woodside, a local Ithaca radio personality. He was a member of the Ithaca Rotary Club for more than 30 years and was given the official title of Chief Club Service Facilitator. He enjoyed his "behind-the-scenes" work calling upon Rotary members to enlist their help for regular weekly meetings. He was a past president of the City Club of Ithaca and the Friends of Ithaca College, as well as a member of the American Legion Post 221. He was a member of the Ithaca Yacht Club and served as a trustee of East Lawn Cemetery. In addition, he taught beginning financial management to high school students in Tompkins County.

David was an athlete his entire life. He played football at Ithaca High School and played both basketball and softball in the city leagues for decades. David took great pride in playing softball in Ithaca with his son Derek until he "retired" at 75 because his knees finally betrayed him! He also had the honor of playing basketball in the Senior Olympics.

David was an avid fisherman and loved being on Cayuga Lake, Lake Ontario and in the Florida Keys aboard one of his beloved fishing boats. He caught and cleaned the fish but didn't eat them, yet his friends and family enjoyed the fruits of his labor! In his later years, his favorite pastime was sitting on the porch at Bar Harbor enjoying the lake views and waving to and greeting boaters as they passed by.

David was loyal and confident, a fierce competitor and had a great sense of humor. He was proud of his ties to Ithaca and the brokerage firm that carried his family name. Many would agree, there was only one Dave Barr!

David's family would like to express their profound gratitude to Drs. Sami Husseini, Charles Garbo, Anthony Sanito, Jonathan Mauser and the caring staff of Bridges and Hospicare.

Funeral services and burial will be Private. All who knew David are invited to a celebration of his life at the Country Club of Ithaca on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Hospicare & Palliative Care Services, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca NY 14850, or to the charity of one's choice.