Barry D. Kramer

1942 - 2025

Kramer, Barry D.
NISKAYUNA - Barry D. Kramer, 82, of Niskayuna, N.Y., passed away on January 4, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Barry was born November 10, 1942, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, N.Y., to Harry Kramer and Marion Miller Kramer.
Barry and his wife, Patricia Morrison Kramer, attended and graduated from Linton High School in 1960. They had been inseparable since meeting as sophomores and were married on August 20, 1964. Their union lasted for over 60 years. In addition to Pat, Barry is survived by his children, Bryan C. Kramer (Anne Gray), of Cherry Creek, Colo., and Lysa Kramer McMahon (Michael F. McMahon), of Niskayuna, N.Y. Barry also leaves behind his grandson and best friend, Colin C. McMahon; as well as his niece, Andrea Zimmerman; and nephew, Randall Zimmerman. In addition to his parents, Barry was predeceased by his sister, Lainie Kramer; and nephew, Mark Siegel.
Barry was a fortunate man in that he had several things he was passionate about, giving him a sense of pride and joy. One of these was cleaning. Be it his house, his car, or anything else, Barry loved cleaning and the way things looked after doing so. He could own a car for 10 years and still have it look brand new. Another was his lawn. Barry's yard would make a leprechaun jealous with its shade of emerald, even in the heart of winter. Barry also loved helping others and never said no to a request. This was especially on display with the number of people he helped get into college, law school, or for whom he helped gain employment. He was the ultimate protector and champion of those he cared about.
Despite all the other areas of Barry's life, nothing filled him with more pride than his family. Be it in Boca Raton, Lake George, or anywhere else, Barry was happy as long as he was with Pat. During their lifetime together, Barry and Pat developed a deep love, respect, and understanding for each other.
Bryan and Lysa were also an unending source of happiness for Barry, and he got more pleasure from their successes than any he earned. He believed in them and was always there to support them in any and every way. Barry never missed a practice or a game of Bryan's or Lysa's, and he loved to lace up his sneakers and scrimmage against Bryan's friends during basketball practice. The coach could never figure out how Barry's team kept beating the starting line-up, but the players understood.
Barry's greatest gift was his grandson, Colin. Barry loved spending time with Colin, whether watching horse races and basketball or simply sharing stories about a life well lived. The two of them would often spend hours together just enjoying each other's company. Barry was Colin's loudest cheerleader, the voice you could always hear above the crowd at his games. Whether Colin was striking out batters, scoring points or runs or simply giving his all, Barry rooted for him with unwavering pride. If Colin received an award or achieved a milestone at school, no congratulations could match Barry's heartfelt enthusiasm. They truly were best friends.
In addition to his personal history, Barry's life can be divided into three distinct sections: playing basketball, being an Attorney, and serving as a Judge. All of which gave him immense pride and fulfillment.
Barry's basketball career blossomed while he was at Linton, and by the time he graduated from high school, he was named a Parade All-American and one of the top five players in the country. After receiving scholarship offers from every major college in the country, Barry decided to attend New York University. Barry's best year was 1963, when he was the second leading scorer in the Nation, named First Team All-American, received the Hagerty Award for the Most Outstanding Metropolitan Basketball Player, and received Most Valuable Player in the Madison Square Garden Holiday Festival. In 1964, Dell Sports Magazine designated Barry as the best all-around player in the country and he was taken in the first round of the N.B.A. draft by the San Francisco Warriors. During his professional career, he also played for the New York Knicks. While practicing law, Barry continued to play basketball competitively until he was 40 years old, and never stopped playing or loving the game. He played briefly for the New Jersey Nets in the old A.B.A. and for professional teams in Schenectady, such as the Schaefer Brewers and Wedekind Pros. He thrived on the competition, and alongside other top-level local talent, Barry played against all the best players in the U.S., including future N.B.A. stars Artis Gilmore, Cassie Russell, and Julius Erving. Barry was inducted into the Capital District Hall of Fame and chosen as the best basketball player to ever play in the Upstate area. Barry was also inducted into the National Jewish Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1989, Barry received the Silver Anniversary Award from the National Association of N.C.A.A. Basketball Coaches, which was given for college basketball ability and professional achievement 25 years after graduation.
After Barry's N.B.A. career, he and Pat returned to Schenectady, where he discovered his next calling, and attended Albany Law School. Barry graduated in 1968 as the Salutatorian of his class. He was a member of the Justinian Society and Articles Editor of the Albany Law Review. Additionally, Barry was the recipient of several prizes at graduation for his academic achievements.
In 1968, he began his legal career at Higgins, Roberts, Beyerl & Coan. When Barry left the firm after 25 years of private practice, it was as a Partner and President and was the result of being appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo as the Schenectady County Surrogate, a position he was elected to in 1993.
During his tenure as Surrogate, Barry also served as a fulltime acting Supreme Court Justice, where he presided over a large portion of the Supreme Court calendar in addition to his Surrogate Court responsibilities. In 2010, Barry was elected as a Supreme Court Justice in the Fourth Judicial District, and upon reaching the age of 70, Barry was recertified for three additional two-year terms as a Supreme Court Justice.
Barry received several awards during his judicial career. One such award was the Harold E. Koreman Award in recognition of commitment to the Administration of Justice with Fairness and Compassion from the N.Y.S. Trial Lawyers Association. Another was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Schenectady County Bar Association.
Between his 25 years in private practice and 25 years on the bench, Barry dedicated over 50 years to the fair and equitable distribution of law. He loved interacting with and getting to know the lawyers as much as the law itself.
Those who wish to contribute in Barry's honor are invited to support his alma mater, Albany Law School, and the next generation of lawyers. Checks can be made payable to Albany Law, with "In Memory of Barry Kramer" in the memo section and mailed to Albany Law School, 80 New Scotland Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12208. Gifts can also be made online at www.albanylaw.edu/giving with the tribute to Barry Kramer or by phone at (518) 445-3206.
A celebration of Barry's life, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be held in his honor at the Mohawk Golf Club, 1849 Union St., Schenectady, N.Y., on Monday, January 13, beginning at 4 p.m., with the tribute beginning at 6 p.m.
Barry's loss will be felt by many, but his memory and legacy will live on through our thoughts and memories of him.