Obituary for Hollis J. Barber, Jr.
QUAKER SPRINGS - Hollis J. Barber, Jr., 94, rose to our Lord on Easter Sunday morning, April 4th, at his home in the loving company of his family.Born in Greenwich, NY on January 27, 1927, Hollis was the son of the late Hollis and Lucy Barber Sr., was raised and educated in Stillwater, and was commonly known as 'Holly.” In 1944, Holly enlisted in the US Navy and served as an aviation radioman petty officer, proudly receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1946.
The honorary G.I. bill training he received in auto body repair sparked Holly’s interest in autos forevermore. After his first job at Westvaco Pulp & Paper Mill in Mechanicville, Holly worked at the former A.E.S. garage in Mechanicville. He then owned Colonial Auto working as an auto wholesaler, and after worked for many years as the proud owner and operator of the former Country Pontiac and Buick auto franchise, currently known as New Country Toyota in Clifton Park.
Always an avid role model and leader to everyone, Holly served two terms as the Stillwater Town Clerk and was known as the originating Cub Scout Master in Stillwater, instilling responsibility and a sense of community to the area. He was proud to eventually call his daughter, Judy Wood-Shaw, the Mayor of Stillwater.
Holly lovingly hand-built his family’s first home in Stillwater and raised his family there from 1950-1990. He then moved and resided in Quaker Springs to retire.
Persistently an active man, Holly held a private pilot’s license and built his very own airplane. He enjoyed flying with his friends and family to Stillwater and Greenwich. Holly always found great pleasure in traveling, golfing, and camping with his family and friends. He also enjoyed many winters in Florida, cherished woodworking, and spent many hours in his wood shop making beautiful furniture. Holly was also a member of a snowmobile club, the ELKS club, and the American Legion. Most of all, Holly cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and their families. He always showed great pride in his family, and he never ceased to amaze them.
Survivors of Hollis include his adored and beloved wife of 74 years, Evelyn Starks Barber, whom he married March 5, 1947, his four proud and loving children: Sheila McNeil (Pat DeVito), Ross Barber, Judy Wood-Shaw, and Mary Jane Barber, his 12 precious grandchildren: Ronnie (Lisa) McNeil, Brian (Christy) McNeil, Kelly McNeil (John Orlandella), Carrie (Jason) Rowland, Alison Barber, Ross F. (Angela) Barber, Andrew (Amber) Barber, Joe (Katie) Wood, Eddie (Devan) Wood, David Izzo, Daniel (Jessica) Izzo, and Holly Buda, his 15 great grandchildren, his twin siblings Carl (Elieen) and Karl Barber, his brother Wally (Lynn) Barber, and his sister-in-law Mary Barber.
Holly was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Patricia Barber, son-in-law's, Eddie Wood and Ronnie McNeil, and siblings Nellie Beadle, Kathleen Blanchard, Donald Barber, Richard Barber, and Larry Barber.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 1 PM at All Saints on the Hudson (St. Peter's) Church, Stillwater, with a military honors burial at the Saratoga National Cemetery to follow. Pandemic guidelines such as social distancing and wearing of masks and limited attendance will be observed.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital or the American Lung Association in respectful memory of Hollis J. Barber, Jr.
The honorary G.I. bill training he received in auto body repair sparked Holly’s interest in autos forevermore. After his first job at Westvaco Pulp & Paper Mill in Mechanicville, Holly worked at the former A.E.S. garage in Mechanicville. He then owned Colonial Auto working as an auto wholesaler, and after worked for many years as the proud owner and operator of the former Country Pontiac and Buick auto franchise, currently known as New Country Toyota in Clifton Park.
Always an avid role model and leader to everyone, Holly served two terms as the Stillwater Town Clerk and was known as the originating Cub Scout Master in Stillwater, instilling responsibility and a sense of community to the area. He was proud to eventually call his daughter, Judy Wood-Shaw, the Mayor of Stillwater.
Holly lovingly hand-built his family’s first home in Stillwater and raised his family there from 1950-1990. He then moved and resided in Quaker Springs to retire.
Persistently an active man, Holly held a private pilot’s license and built his very own airplane. He enjoyed flying with his friends and family to Stillwater and Greenwich. Holly always found great pleasure in traveling, golfing, and camping with his family and friends. He also enjoyed many winters in Florida, cherished woodworking, and spent many hours in his wood shop making beautiful furniture. Holly was also a member of a snowmobile club, the ELKS club, and the American Legion. Most of all, Holly cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and their families. He always showed great pride in his family, and he never ceased to amaze them.
Survivors of Hollis include his adored and beloved wife of 74 years, Evelyn Starks Barber, whom he married March 5, 1947, his four proud and loving children: Sheila McNeil (Pat DeVito), Ross Barber, Judy Wood-Shaw, and Mary Jane Barber, his 12 precious grandchildren: Ronnie (Lisa) McNeil, Brian (Christy) McNeil, Kelly McNeil (John Orlandella), Carrie (Jason) Rowland, Alison Barber, Ross F. (Angela) Barber, Andrew (Amber) Barber, Joe (Katie) Wood, Eddie (Devan) Wood, David Izzo, Daniel (Jessica) Izzo, and Holly Buda, his 15 great grandchildren, his twin siblings Carl (Elieen) and Karl Barber, his brother Wally (Lynn) Barber, and his sister-in-law Mary Barber.
Holly was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Patricia Barber, son-in-law's, Eddie Wood and Ronnie McNeil, and siblings Nellie Beadle, Kathleen Blanchard, Donald Barber, Richard Barber, and Larry Barber.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 1 PM at All Saints on the Hudson (St. Peter's) Church, Stillwater, with a military honors burial at the Saratoga National Cemetery to follow. Pandemic guidelines such as social distancing and wearing of masks and limited attendance will be observed.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital or the American Lung Association in respectful memory of Hollis J. Barber, Jr.