Obituary of Clifford M. Barber

Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Clifford M. Barber of Walden, passed away peacefully, on Sunday January 11, 2015 at Montgomery Nursing Home. He was 97 years old. The son of the late Clifford Miner and Ruth Ferris Barber, Clifford was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Cliff was married to Jane Mount Barber. Survivors include his wife Jane at home; sons, Thomas Barber and wife Marcia of Belmont, Mass., William Barber and wife, Lisa of Fredericksburg, VA, Clifford Barber and fiancé Emily of Walden, NY, James Zanetti and wife Wanda of Sparrowbush, NY, ; step-sons, Carl MaGill and Scott MaGill; daughters, Marny Silane and husband Dr. Mike of Pelham Manor, NY, Jean Crawford and husband Ed of Pine Bush, Anne Hummel and husband Paul of Gaysville, VT, Cathy Barber and husband Paul of Sommerville, Mass., Carole Barber-Scully and husband John of Walden, NY; grandchildren, Edward, Jennifer, Lyn, John, Kaitlyn, Joanna, Corey, Mattie, William, Robert, Ian, Trevor, Lucas, Devin, Scott, Steven; great grandchildren, Michael, Elise, Brooke, Jake and Jack; several nieces and nephews. Cliff was predeceased by wives Lucie Barber Peatling and Lelia Goff Barber. He was also predeceased by his sister Emily Jean. Cliff was an attorney who had his own practice for over 50 yrs. in Montgomery, NY. Clifford graduated from Rutgers University in 1940 and attended Cornell Law School. Cliff was admitted to the Bar of the State of New York in 1948. He was admitted to the Federal Bar, Southern District of New York in 1960. Cliff was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry in 1940,volunteered for Active Duty in 1941 and was released from Active Duty Feb. 23, 1946. He remained in Inactive Reserve until 1967 retiring as a Lt Colonel. Cliff was actively involved in his community. He was elected Village Trustee, Village of Walden, 1941-1950. Elected Town Justice, Town of Montgomery, 1955 and reelected for four terms. Cliff was a former President of Orange Hose#1, former Trustee Josephine Public Library. He was the former chairman, Red Cross Drive, Former President Walden Rotary Club and former director of Highland National Bank of Newburgh. Cliff is best known for his love of politics. He was a member of the Orange County Republican Committee from 1950-2007. Cliff was elected 1st Vice Chairman of the Orange County Republican Committee. He was the Orange County Republican Chairman from 1976-1981 and again 1991-1995. Cliff was a Delegate to the National Republican Convention Detroit, Michigan, 1960, Kansas City, Missouri, 1976, Dallas, Texas, 1984, Alternate Delegate at Large, Houston, Texas. Cliff is most recognized for receiving a Presidential appointment from former President Ronald Reagan to the US Assay Office in NYC. He received the last Presidential appointment as a Superintendent to the US Assay Office in NYC, where he served for over 9 years. He was in charge of moving all of the gold bullion from the US Assay office in NYC, to West Point creating the Mint at West Point. Cliff struck the first Olympic Gold Coin in 1984. After leaving West Point, Cliff, was also appointed by Gov. Pataki to the Industrial Board of Appeals, Albany, NY. Visitation will be held on Thursday January 15, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Gridley-Horan Funeral Home 39 Orchard St. Walden, NY 12586 Funeral Services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 10 AM at The First Reformed Church of Walden, New York 70 Scofield St. Walden, New York. In-lieu of flowers Contributions may be made to: Help on the Homefront, Patriot Guard Riders of New York, PO Box 107, Williamson, NY 14589. Checks should reference: HOTH or donations can be made online @ Patriot Guard Riders of NY. Cliff loved farming so another charity could be 4-H Orange County, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 18 Seward Street, Suite 300, Middletown, NY 10940. The family would like to thank the Montgomery Nursing Home for their care and compassion. Gridley Horan Funeral Home for the attention to detail. Rev. Jim Van Houten and Rev. Ken Tenckinck for officiating the service.