Leonard T. Barber, 89, passed away at home on Sunday, August 13, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Rotterdam on August 24, 1933, he was the son of the late Trueman R. Barber & Louise Andersen Barber Jewett and step-son of the late Clarence Jewett.
Leonard graduated from Draper High School in 1953 and then went on to join the U.S. Navy Seabee’s from 1953-1957 during the Korean War conflict.
Following his service to our country, Leonard operated Jewett’s Motor Court & Gas Station in Duanesburg from 1957-1961. From 1961-1965 he worked as a milk delivery man for the Lawnwood Farms Dairy. He also began his career at General Electric Co. in 1961 as an inspector and painter retiring in 1994. He was a member of the GE Quarter century club.
Leonard loved watching NASCAR races, old westerns and being with family and friends. He also loved his friends down at the Rotterdam Mall! They were like family. He would go to the mall 3 days a week to have coffee with them.
Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Joan Countermine on November 1, 1953. Joan passed away November 17, 2012.
He is survived by his children, Wendy (Michael) Rosko of Palmer, Alaska, Richard (Margaret) Barber of Guilderland Center, NY and Lori (Kenneth) Hazen of Feura Bush, NY. His grandchildren, Tara (Lionel) LaGrow, Nicole Bethel, Theresa (Tristan) Clayton, Andrew Barber, Alan (Brittany) Barber, Crystal Rafferty and Bryan Rafferty, great Grandchildren, Kyia LaGrow, Sean LaGrow, Drake Bethel, Alex Bethel, Shay Bethel, Julia Barber, Adelaide Fallarino, Scarlett Barber, Ella Rickard, Jaylynn Rickard, Payten Rafferty, Silas Rafferty, his sister Nancy Lynch of St. Petersburg FL. Step Grandchildren Aimee LaPlant, Amber (David) Rich and Steven Hazen. He is also survived by many nieces & nephews.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 27th at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 5216 Western Turnpike (just west of Carman Rd.), Guilderland. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Burial, with military honors, will follow at Viewland Cemetery, Rotterdam.
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