Jon Robert Barber

Jon Robert Barber, 73, of Stamford, NY, passed away on February 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He spent his final days held in comfort, surrounded by his children and the love of his life, Barbara Lawry.

Born on July 26, 1952, in Chenango Bridge, NY, Jon graduated from Chenango Valley High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport, and later received his master’s degree from the College of St. Rose. Jon first joined the Stamford community as Director of Sales and Marketing at Deer Run Ski Resort. He later found his true calling as a School Psychologist for the Roxbury Central School District, a role he deeply loved. His compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in students left a lasting impact on countless young lives and families.

Always ready with a funny joke or story, Jon was a one-of-a-kind personality known for his quick wit, easy laugh, and playfulness that was nothing short of contagious. Jon loved golf - not just as a sport, but as a way to share time, laughter, and the occasional great shot (which he was always happy to talk about!) He dedicated countless hours to mentoring young players through the Stamford Junior Golf Club and his role as a high school golf coach, believing deeply in fostering confidence, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of the game.

As a long-standing member of the Stamford Golf Club, Jon built a legacy of achievements on the course, including winning the Delaware County Amateur Golf Championship in 1986 and 1991. More than any title, however, he will be fondly remembered for the truly legendary feats of scoring his age as well as sinking two odds-defying hole-in-one shots on consecutive days during the Stamford Golf Club’s Annual Fall Scramble tournament in 2023.

Beyond golf, Jon cherished spending time with and traveling alongside his longtime partner, Barb. Their trips to New York City and Puerto Rico became the source of many of his favorite memories. In more recent years, Jon also discovered the joys of being a Grandpa and was well known for doting on his beloved grandchildren.

Jon is survived by his partner in love and life, Barbara Lawry; his children, Catherine “Maggie” Barber (Joseph Seman-Graves), Jon “Jake” Barber, Kieran Barber, Rosemary Barber, Emily Russo (Angela Russo), and Evan Mullen; his grandchildren and chosen grandchildren, Sadie, Finnegan, Calise, Kenzey, and Logan; his siblings, Lolleen White, Jay Barber (Susan Barber), and Dan Barber; his Rotary Exchange student brother, Peter (Lone’) Koefoed; his many nieces and nephews; and his numerous friends, who will forever miss his humor, warmth, and presence. Jon was preceded in death by his parents, O. Cleon and Dorothy Barber; his brother-in-law, Dale White; his sister-in-law, Florence Barber; his cherished brother, Max Barber; and his lifelong friends, Gino Govern and Dave Sweet.

Per Jon’s wishes, no formal calling hours will be held. Friends and family are welcome to gather informally to share stories, laughter, and memories of Jon on Friday, February 13, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Mill Pond Inn & Tavern in Jefferson, NY. A formal celebration of Jon’s life will be held when it’s “not so damn cold” this summer at the Stamford Golf Course - his happy place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jon’s memory to the Stamford Junior Golf Club.

Jon’s dynamic personality was a gift to this world, and his loss will be felt in the hearts of those who loved him for a long time to come. His family and partner are eternally grateful for the outpouring of love shown by his friends and community during this difficult time.