Harold A. Barber

Harold A. Barber, 99, of White Lake, NY, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in White Lake on April 9, 1926, Harold was the eldest of five children of Albert Fred and Hazel (Stephenson) Barber. He grew up on White Lake, attended a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Monticello High School at the age of 16. Too young to attend college, Harold went to work in the family’s trucking, taxi, boat, and beach business, as well as on his grandfather’s farm.

He later joined Nu-Car Carrier, hauling new cars from the Ford plant in Mahwah, NJ, until its closure. In retirement, Harold remained active, raising beef cattle and growing vegetables, which he sold from a roadside stand using the honor system.

A dedicated public servant, Harold served as Town of Bethel Tax Collector from 1953 to 1955 and was elected Town Supervisor from 1956 to 1959. He was a proud member of numerous organizations, including the White Lake Fire Company, NRA, Sullivan County Farm Bureau, 4-H, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Beaver Brook Hunting and Fishing Club, and the Sullivan County Federation of Sportsmen. In 2018, he was honored as the Sullivan County Sportsman of the Year.

Harold had a deep love for hunting, fishing, trapping, farming, and gardening. He was an avid reader and a beloved storyteller, well known for his long stories and tall tales.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Paula, and their four sons: Richard and wife Lora of Haviland, KS; George and wife Pam of Cairo, GA; Captain Harold G. and wife Shannon of Watertown, NY; and Dr. Vincent and wife Katie of Granville, NY. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Russel, Jason, Sarah, Jordan, Brianna, Skylar, Stacia, Haylie, and Nathan and by six great-grandchildren: Lora, Lillie, Jason, Christopher, Sophie, and Alexander.

In addition, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews; his sisters-in-law Michelena, Rosa-Leah, Sandy, and Barbara; and brothers-in-law Anthony and Vincent. The family offers special thanks to Ed and Cindy Barber, Michelena, Rosa-Leah, and niece Erin for always being there, and to the Hospice staff for their care and support.

Harold was predeceased by his parents; his sister Irene (Peter) Filosa; brothers Edward, Russell, and James; and sisters-in-law Lois, Marilyn, and Inez.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM at Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home, with Pastor David Coon officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Route 17B, Bethel, NY.

Donations in Harold’s memory may be made to the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West Street at Buckley, Liberty, NY. For more information, please call 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200, or visit www.Harris-FH.com.