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Barry Townley Obituary
The accomplished musician and respected businessman, a former resident of Shavertown, slipped away in sleep at his home in Indian Wells, Calif., with his wife, Petrina (neé Puma) by his side. The couple loved to entertain, travel, build and decorate custom homes near family in California and in Central Pennsylvania. Barry Townley was the youngest pianist to graduate (at 16-years-old with degrees in Music Theory & Composition) from The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Following honorable service as a sergeant with Canadian Army Shows in the combat regions of Europe, he earned a Master's degree in History from the University of Toronto. Based on eclectic capabilities, his successful lifelong music career as a solo performer, composer & leader of his own orchestras and jazz groups was augmented by acclaimed senior executive positions with Hevenor & Co., Heritage Homes, Fidelity Bank, Cal Fed & Fred Sands Estates. Barry's keyboard genius, wit and wisdom will be missed. His presence remains strong for Petrina, his sister Myrna of Toronto, son & daughter-in-law Sean and Maura of Altadena, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law April and Barry of Sunbury, only grandchild Catherine and great-grandchild and budding musician Robert (RJ) of Santa Barbara, Calif., as well as numerous Puma family members in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. A private celebration of Barry's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2012, at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., Culver City (310) 836-5500. A contingent from the Royal Canadian Legion will be on hand to honor his military service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Barry's memory to Disabled American Veterans ( www.DAV.org ) or to viable animal rescue and protection groups. Contact the family via [email protected] or [email protected] .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Townley
April
March 5, 2023
Dad. Funny how things happen ... just a week ago or so, a third cousin in Canada sent a message about your album, which he found, played and loved. Other "relatives" thought it was 'so cool' and the weird part is that I had just played the vinyl on my old record player a few days prior. So, you are always near and I am always here to receive your otherworldly messages. Miss you, A.
April
March 8, 2022
Funny how time (and an old photo or two) helps generate questions and then repaints memories to make everything more shiny and bright. Unwrapping gifts set aside for so long and creating realities based on the dialogues and events brought forth in dreams and meditations. Miss the 'for real' conversations we were able to share as adults with nothing to prove. Love and respect and the joy of your authentic smile as we fully embraced our second or third or fifth chance to set the records straight. See you sooner than later!!! A.
April
March 10, 2020
Dad, your presence is consistently with me - an article you sent that pops up in a file, a few bars of Clair De Lune when least expected (always brings a tear), conversations in lucid dreams - wish we had had more time, but I'm happy for every words we shared especially during the 2000s. Miss you always. Love, April
April James
March 17, 2019
Still and always miss you, Dad, but thank goodness for lucid dreaming! April
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March 17, 2012
To Uncle Barry,
I will always remember your passion for music, business and living your life to the fullest. Love Melissa Karin
March 15, 2012
To all our American family & friends,
sending much love and fondest memories to one of our dearest relatives, Uncle Barry.
He was a constant source of guidance, wisdom, humour and, of course, talent.
We will miss him and carry his memory in our hearts, always.
Swing on, Uncle!
Love,
Nephew Adam & Niece Cathy, xo
Toronto, Canada.
Adam & Cathy Ginsberg-Wendt
March 15, 2012
To all our American family & friends,
sending much love and fondest memories to one of our dearest relatives, Uncle Barry.
He was a constant source of guidance, wisdom, humour and, of course, talent.
We will miss him and carry his memory in our hearts, always.
Swing on, Uncle!
Love,
Nephew Adam & Niece Cathy, xo
Toronto, Canada.
March 15, 2012
To my big brother Barry---love you always Myrna
March 15, 2012
The heavens are playing a wonderful tune now that they have their pianist! Although our times were few because of geography I carry memories that remain....the white caddy model you sent...the cutouts of LA newspaper articles on sports...and the epitomy of what i picture when i think of you, "tickling the ivories" with a drink at the side! :)
Yanu'akh beshalom al mishkavo ... May you rest in peace !
Love your nephew Mark along with Eden and Logan
Barry Townley, renaissance man
April james
March 14, 2012
We all miss you, DAD, and look forward to seeing you shine in the skies tomorrow night (03/15/2012) as Venus & Jupiter align on the evening following the wonderful celebration of your spectacular life. Love, your kid April, your other kid Sean, our adorable spouses Barry & Maura, your granddaughter Catherine and, especially, your great-grandson RJ who idolizes everything about you and will be that carrier of the musical flame ............
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