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Nicholas Barra Obituary
Nicholas J. Barra, 82, of Lansing, New York, passed away on Monday, June 25, 2012. He was born in Ithaca, NY, on January, 11, 1930, and was the son of the late Nick and Nicolina Cinotti Barra, and widower of Mary Leone Barra. Nick graduated from Ithaca High School and Ithaca College and spent his career teaching and coaching at Odessa-Montour Central School. He was inducted into Odessa-Montour Central School Coach's Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Elks Club, the Lansing Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion. Additionally, he was an avid golfer and woodworker. He volunteered a great deal of time to the community, including Gadabout, Woodsedge, and co-founded the Cancer Bonnet program. Nick was a lifetime member and volunteer of the Immaculate Conception Church. Upon retirement, Nick and his wife moved to their lake home in Lansing, where he lived for many years. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and spending time with his family. Nicholas was pre-deceased by siblings Phyllis Isch, Antoinette Sellers, Mary DeLong, Victoria Noce, and Sgt. Michael Barra. He is survived byhis loving companion Ann McNamara; sister Sue Shanahan (Arthur); children Michael Barra, Nicholas Barra (Amy), John Barra, and Mary Leigh Thomas; grandchildren Frank Barra, Anthony Barra, and Christa Barra; great-grandchild Braxton Evans as well as many nieces and nephews. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 29, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church of Ithaca with the Reverend Jeffery Tunnicliff officiating. A reception will be held at Lucatelli's Restaurant immediately following the Mass. A private burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nick's memory may be given to either Hospicare of Tompkins County or the SPCA of Tompkins County. Bangs Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The family wishes to express thanks to all the visitors who came while he was ill.
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Memories and Condolences
for Nicholas Barra
Pat Tanner Frasier
July 6, 2012
To the family of Nick Barra, your folks were wonderful people. They are together again. There were many there in Heaven waiting with open arms to usher him in. May it help to know he was a wonderful teacher and will be missed by many. May God bless you and keep you all. Pat Tanner Frasier. Odessa NY
barbara exton
July 4, 2012
The 4th of July Lions Club barbecue at Lansing Park just wasn't the same today without Nick. For a long time he enticed people to play the cake wheel and
made it fun. Whether selling tickets or just working at the barbecue, Nick was there with a smile and a greeting. I missed him today. A couple of weeks ago I had a good phone conversation with Nick and we reminisced-- many memories.
Rest in peace, Nick. Barb Exton
Peggy (Brown) Hambrick
July 3, 2012
Any student that every attended OMCS feels your loss. Both your Mother and Father were wonderful, kind, caring teachers and mentors. My prayers are with you and your family, cherish your memories and be proud of your heritage.
Loree Dickens
July 3, 2012
To the Barra Family, my thoughts are with you. I have the fondest of memories of my elementary years of having both your parents as my gym teachers. What a privilege to have had an opportunity to have such wonderful people be a part of my childhood memories along with high school memories. thinking of you Mary Leigh.
Tom Brown
June 30, 2012
I'm not sure people of the Odessa/Montour area understand what a wonderful person/teacher/coach Nick was. For me he was a exceptional human being. Personally I knew him as a man who was a great leader. I worked for him during the early 60's doing house painting and sanding floors. But one of his great accomplishments was leading the 1961 football team to the only undefeated team in the history of the school. Luck for me I was the team captain.
June 30, 2012
I send my deepest sympathy and strength to your family at this time. He will be remembered for helping everyone. He made our world a better place and we will all remember that he was a "great person" to family and friends.
Jim & Shirley Herson
June 29, 2012
We are so very sorry for your loss. Nick was a great man and will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you at this time of great sorrow.
Fred & Teresa Letteer
June 29, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Nick's passing he was a good man and will be missed our sympathy to the families..
Frank / Pat Borra
June 29, 2012
Mike,Nick,John,and Mary Your farther was a great man. He taught us all a lot more than he thought he did. We are very sad for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your dad at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Nick
Crystal Reeves & Leroy Magee
June 29, 2012
We were deeply saddened to hear of Nick's passing. He was a wonderful, caring man and I feel honored to have known him. My heartfelt condolences to all of Nick's family..RIP Nick, you will be dearly missed...
Bryon Palmer
June 28, 2012
When I saw that he had passed, countless memories came to mind. Here are a few...lining up at the end of gym class to catch passes in the gym. Him saying..."on the yellow line, count of by two, to set up teams. His smile and wink as he passed you in the hall as an elementary student, his famous arm on your shoulder as he kicked you in the butt with the oppostire leg, and his famous milkshake bets. I actually won one as he bet me his Baltimore Orioles would beat my Pittsburgh Pirates in the '71 Series!!! Most of all how he made every kid feel special! RIP Mr. Barra, you were a great man and touched us all in a special way.
Jean and Dale Wise
June 28, 2012
Our neighbor Nick will be greatly missed. We've lived on the lake for 6 yrs and Nick was always friendly and helpful. We got to see his woodworking talent during the few years we knew him and what an awesome gift he had making things beautiful. Our condolences to Ann and his family.
Lisa (Maine) Centurelli
June 28, 2012
So saddened to hear this news. Mr. Barra was indeed one of the sweetest, caring teachers that ever walked the halls of OMCS and everyone that knew him loved him. May he rest with the angels.
Howard Spencer
June 28, 2012
Nick was my uncle and in reading all the wonderful notes they all ring true. His smile, kindness was always on his sleeve. He will be missed by my family and all that knew him. That point in Lansing will never be the same, pray for us Nick.
Susan Davis Tripp
June 28, 2012
Mike, Nicky, John, and Mary; my deepest condolences to you and your families. I remember Mr. Barra with great fondness from the years on Speedway, the years at OMCS, and the various athletic functions. Your dad was a friend to my father, a kind soul with a big heart, and a mentor to so many students. God Speed, Mr. Barra.
Susan Frycek Walter
June 28, 2012
Mr. Barra greeted eveyone with his huge, warm smile. He was more than our gym teacher, and he touched many lives in a positive way, making each of us feel special in our rightful way. He was encouraging, supportive and knew all of us. He truly cared about all his students.
Mary Leigh and family, sincere condolences to each of you. May you find comfort in our prayers and memories.
June 28, 2012
What a great loss for all of us. Mr. Barra was a wonderful man who was respected and loved by everyone. He once took me fishing at the lake and I will never forget that day. Knowing him was an honor. Rest in Peace Mr. Barra.
Tom Carson
Helen Covert
June 28, 2012
I remember Mr. Barra from my school days He was a great person. He will be missed
Helen (Harvey) Covert
Paul Wheeler
June 27, 2012
As you read these comments,,, you keep seeing "Mr Barra"--- a true sign of respect for man that taught us so much. He commanded respect and returned it along with encouragement--- Go in Peace, Mr. Barra--- you made more of a difference than you could have ever known
Cindy (VanGalder)Malley
June 27, 2012
Mr. Barra was a good gym teacher and all around great person.
Richard Parker
June 27, 2012
Mr Barra taught me many things besides Physical Education. A love of life and an ability to find happiness in what you do. Still the "fat kid". The lessons taught to me were timeless. Thanks for teaching me to be a better person
Jack Fowler
June 27, 2012
Linda and I are sorry to hear of Nick`s passing. We will always remember the good times we have enjoyed with the Barra family hear in Odessa.
Rebecca Gallagher
June 27, 2012
Sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Barra was a great teacher and will be missed greatly.
Mike & Rocky Baughman
June 27, 2012
To Ann and Nick's family,
We were so saddened to hear of Nick's passing. What a wonderful man he was- so full of love for all of you and his smile and enthusiasm were extremely contagious. I am sure that heaven is brighter with him there, but we will surely miss him here. May God give you all comfort in this difficut time.
Diana VanLoon
June 27, 2012
David and I are sad to hear of Mr Barra's passing. What a sweet and fun teacher he was!
Lori Harrington-Dunham
June 27, 2012
To the entire Barra family, I was sad to read of Nick's passing. Its been many many years since OMCS PE classes and the wonderful family memories of years past. Nick will be missed by all who knew this wonderful man. May the Love of GOD give you strength and HE will be with you always!
June 27, 2012
To Ann and Nick's Children,
I am so sorry to hear of Nicks passing. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Nick was such a great person. He will be missed. My prayers are with all of you.
Joan
Brenda Parsons
June 27, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
daniel delany
June 27, 2012
Nick and Amy, We are very sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in knowing your dad is no longer in pain. You're in our Prayers. Dan & Charlene
Taken at Class of 58 reunion in July 2008
Dave & Jeanne Dougherty
June 27, 2012
We were so sorry to learn of Mr. Barra's passing. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Dave and Jeanne Dougherty
Neil Snyder
June 27, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Steve and Dawn Parsons
June 27, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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