Steven Barbash

1933 - 2016

Barbash, Steven

Professor Steven Barbash touched so many lives in so many ways. He was an artist, teacher, mentor . . . a father, husband and grandfather . . . an entertaining storyteller, good friend and gracious host. An avid gardener and reader, he liked nothing better than sharing his canned specialties and signature soups with guests during his many unforgettable soirees. Steven loved people and people loved him, and he made the world a better place. Steven died at home in Lansing, NY, on August 17, 2016 after an extended illness. Born in New York City, he cherished family connections. Fun-loving, compassionate, and generous, he had an encyclopedic memory and knew how to share a good story. Steven earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Art and Architecture at Yale University and began his teaching career at Juniata College (PA) in 1960. Ten years later he joined the faculty at SUNY Cortland as a professor and as Chairman of the Art Department. He later retired as a University Distinguished Professor, after leaving behind a living legacy in the many students he influenced. He encouraged and guided his students to leverage their potential and achieve their goals. A resident of Ithaca for more than thirty years, Steven was drawn to the beauty of the gorges and natural wonders of this area. Naturally curious, and a seasoned traveler, Steven's trips to Europe, Africa, the Orient and Caribbean augmented his understanding of the world, which was reflected in his work. Steven had an appetite for life and lived it to the fullest. He was a "one man show" in every way - literally. His work was displayed worldwide, in both museums and galleries, including the Brooklyn Museum, Museum of Modern Art, and Whitney Museum (all in NYC), at the Jane Haslem Gallery, National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian and Library of Congress in Washington, DC, and at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow. His work was also exhibited in Pittsburgh, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Houston. Steven is survived by his wife, Judy (Lohr) Barbash of Lansing, NY, a daughter, Laura Reid (Blake) of Trumansburg, NY, one grandson, Riley, two step-sons, Brandon Regard and Jarrett Regard (Valerie) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A celebration honoring Steven's life will be held at the Treman Center in Ithaca, NY, at 3 PM, Sunday, September 4, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Assoc. at donatenow.heart.org.