Barry L. Klipsch

Thursday, July 10, 2014

A celebration of the life of Barry L. Klipsch, 61, will be held at the Vestal Elks Lodge, 2071 Vestal Parkway West, Vestal, NY, on Saturday, July 12 from 2-5 p.m.

Barry died peacefully at Riverview Manor Healthcare Center on July 3, 2014, with his wife of more than 30 years, Elizabeth, at his side.

Diagnosed with brain cancer three and a half years ago, Barry had battled this illness with unwavering strength, courage and humor, even returning to the Midwest with his brothers to visit friends and relatives just weeks before his death.

Barry grew up in Greencastle, where he graduated from high school and attended DePauw University before serving in the U.S. Army for three years. He returned to DePauw to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. He then attended the University of Illinois, where he met Liz and graduated in 1982 with a Master of Science degree in mathematics.

Following graduation, Barry and Liz moved to New York state, where Barry worked for 13 years with IBM Owego in such positions as systems analyst and team leader.

He then served as special events coordinator for CHOW; adjunct instructor in mathematics at Broome Community College; and statistical analyst at SafeGuard Services, LLC, before assuming his position as statistician at HealthNow New York.

Always supportive and caring, Barry had a great impact on those around him, especially through his involvement in community and public service. Beginning with his coordination of a blood drive and his volunteer work at the annual Elks Hoop Shoot contest, Barry assumed various Elks leadership positions: exalted ruler of the Vestal Elks Lodge, state major projects chairman for the New York State Elks Association, a board member of the New York State Elks Major Projects Board and district deputy grand exalted ruler for Elks South Central District of New York.

Barry joined Vestal Dollars for Scholars in 1991 and served as president 1995-2012; under his leadership, the number of awarded scholarships tripled. Barry was also a president of the Vestal Service Organization; a longstanding member of the American Legion; and a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He was a blood donor for the American Red Cross more than 55 times.

Barry was elected to the Broome County legislature in 2008 for a two-year term and was actively involved in Vestal politics for more than two decades.

An avid reader, Barry enjoyed traveling, walking, attending baseball games, visiting museums and aquariums and barbecuing for friends and family.

Barry is survived by Liz; his brothers Raymond Klipsch and Michael Klipsch; niece Beth (Maury) Campbell; many cousins; and longtime friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Eloise Olson Klipsch.

Contributions to a memorial scholarship in Barry's name can be made to Vestal Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 959, Vestal, NY, 13851-0959.

On-line condolences and memories can be left at www.pressconnects.com.