Kenneth F. Barber

Kenneth F. Barber Sr.

Age 79, of Valois, NY, passed away November 9, 2022.

Ken owned and operated his own vineyards, Barber Vineyards and then Stone Arch Farms in the Valois area for over 60 years. He was a member of the V-L-H Fire Department and former President, life-time member of the Watkins Glen Elks Lodge, and a life member of the Myrtle-Jefferson Masonic Lodge.

Ken was former President of the NYS Grape Growers Association. Ken also enjoyed hunting and fishing and talking about the great elusive Muskie that always seemed to get away right at the boat. Ken enjoyed his ponds and took great pride in them and fed his fish every day. On occasion he would end up in the pond with his truck or tractor and he would have to get towed out. He had a great sense of humor. People always remembered him as he was hard to forget once you met him as he could talk for hours.

Ken was preceded by his parents Frank and Anne Barber.

He is survived by Cheryl Johnson, his beloved longtime companion; his five children, Shelly (Al) Reese of Interlaken, Dawn (Jeff) Ross of East Hanover, NJ, Kenny Barber Jr of Hector, Brad (Sheila) Barber of Hector, and Krissy Hendley of Kirkwood, NY; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several cousins. Also, survived by Cheryl Johnson’s children - Joey Bereza from South Dakota, and Kim Bereza of Watkins Glen and their children, and his long-time best friend and former grape grower Tim Rosbaugh

The family will receive friends at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Friday (Nov. 18) from 12pm-2pm; followed by a funeral service at 2pm; and burial at Seneca Union Cemetery in Valois. A Celebration of Life will be held at the V-L-H Fire Department in Hector immediately following his burial.

Memorial donations may be made to the V-L-H Fire Department, PO Box 46, Hector, NY 14841.