Obituary of Leo D. Barr

FRANKFORT – Mr. Leo D. Barr, age 81, of Frankfort, went home to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Carol, on Saturday evening, September 8, 2018. His passing occurred with his family by his side, in the privacy and solace of the Abraham House in Utica, where he had been a guest for the past two months.

Born on August 20, 1937, in Rome, NY, Leo was the son of the late Charles and Irene (Tobin) Barr. He was raised in Rome and graduated with the Rome Free Academy Class of 1956. Throughout his high school years, Leo excelled as a gifted athlete. His wrestling career would lead him to a State Championship win; and his years as an offensive guard in football paid off after graduation, when he went on to play semi-professional ball for the Frankfort Falcons.

It was during one of those football practices in the park behind Mann Street, that Leo’s life would change forever; the day he met his future wife, the former Carol Ann Cattat. On August 17, 1963, Carol and Leo were married at St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort, and together they shared in a lifelong commitment of 55 years. Carol was a devoted and loving wife and Leo a strong and supportive husband. It was only thirty-nine days prior to Leo’s passing, on July 31, 2018, that Carol went to Heaven. Their family finds great comfort in knowing that the two of them are once again reunited and sharing in everlasting life.

Between his football career and the beginning of his life as husband and father, Leo joined the United States Army, and faithfully served his country during the early 1960s. He was a proud and ardent patriot for the remainder of his life, maintaining memberships in the VFW Post 502 and the Frankfort American Legion.

For many years, Leo was employed in the cable industry as a General Manager, before taking a position as the Executive Director of the Ilion Housing Authority. Beyond the hard work that he put in on a daily basis, Leo went above and beyond his career duties, and took a true interest in the well-being of the low-income families of Ilion that he helped to care for. Every year, he would take it upon himself to organize a bus trip to Enchanted Forest and a day of fun at the Herkimer County Fair; events for the underprivileged children of the community to enjoy themselves, completely free of charge. He was also involved with the Frankfort Kiwanis Club for many years, volunteering and giving back to the children of his community.

In his own subtle way, Leo opened his heart and gave back in any way that he could. He was quiet, gentle and stoic and lived his life without judgment or bias toward his fellow man. He held a strong faith in God, and along with his wife, Carol, spent many years as an active member of the First Assembly of God in Little Falls.

Beyond his duties at work and in the community, Leo’s first and foremost priority was always his family. He was a strong, supportive father, who taught his kids about integrity and honor. He was a doting grandfather, who completely involved himself in the lives of each of his grandchildren, and never missed a game, event or achievement in their lives. His dedication to his family was evident, even up until the very last days of his life. As his illness progressed, and his worldly body failed him, Leo hung on, as he eagerly awaited the arrival of his first great-grandson. God granted him one final gift on this side of Heaven, and he was blessed to meet, spend time with and kiss the head of little Cylus…passing on just two days after meeting him.

Leo is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Lori Barr of Little Falls and David and Ann Marie Barr of Syracuse; his daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Mike Rosati of Frankfort; his grandchildren, Jarred Barr and fiancée, Krystle Stolba of Frankfort; Jamie Barr of Herkimer; Jordyn Barr and Dylan Hoffman of New Hartford; and Kylie Rosati, Tyler Rosati and Carter Rosati, all of Frankfort; his great-grandson, Cylus Walter Hoffman; and Nicole and Kyle Shirvani and their son, Crew, Jaymie and Joe Johnson and their daughter, Joelle, and Michael Rosati, all of whom he loved as grandchildren. He also leaves his in-laws, Frank and Marie LaPuma of Frankfort, whom he shared a special and close bond with; his brother-in-law, Arnold Owens of Cassville; along with several nieces and nephews. Leo was blessed with a special group of buddies: Vaughn Christman, Joe Campbell, Bud Fiore, Jerry Amoroso and Mickey Occhipinti. Due to their lifelong bond, these friends gathered together to brighten his sprits just a few short weeks ago.

Besides his wife, Carol, Leo was predeceased by his sisters, Mildred Brewer, Lorie Yager and Mary Owens; his brothers, Charles Barr and Jack Barr; and his brother-in-law, George Cattat.

Leo's children and their families would like to give special thanks to Gina Ciaccia and her staff at the Abraham House for making Leo's last months as comfortable as possible. Special thanks also to Tina Zahnieser and Ann Lindsay from Hospice for their genuine care and concern shown to Dad. 

Friends and relatives are invited to attend Leo’s visitation on Thursday, September 13, 2018 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Leo’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning, September 14, 2018 at 10:00AM at the funeral home, with Pastor Tim Parisi officiating. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort, where his earthly remains will be laid to rest beside Carol.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble Street, Utica, NY 13501. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Leo’s final wishes have been entrusted to Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.