Kenneth J. Barris

Ken Barris was born in Brooklyn, NY to Anthony and Stella Barris on January 6, 1951.

After spending a wonderful childhood in Brooklyn, surrounded by many loyal friends, he proudly went on to serve for the U.S. Army in the 14th Armored Calvary. Upon returning to Brooklyn, he worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement.

Ken spent the past 9 years in the Catskills where his diverse talents were applied to his new home, beautiful land with woods and streams, and new community for he and his wife to enjoy. He became a volunteer fireman with Wells Bridge Fire Department and enjoyed spending his days helping friends with various projects and odd jobs, truly leaving the world a more beautiful place than he found it. While they were initially nervous about leaving the big city for the country, Ken and Fran found a hill-full of friends to live out some of their best days with.

It truly was with his family and friends that he was at his happiest. He spent 40 wonderful years devoted to his wife Fran. His pride and joy was their daughter, Vanessa. He cherished his time with his son-in-law Anthony. He was able to spend five wonderful years as the Best Grandpa Ever and absolutely adored his grandchildren.

Ken was a man who would do anything for his family and treated his friends, no matter how old or new, like family as well. Throughout his life, Ken was a proud Army veteran, an expert marksman, an avid boater at Excelsior Yacht Club, a car race fan, and a lifelong blues fan.

Ken is survived by his wife of 40 years, Fran; their daughter: Vanessa; his son-in-law: Anthony; his grandchildren; his brother: Stan; his nephew: Cole and his wife, Olivia; and his great-niece.

A funeral service and joyous celebration will be planned for this July, a date and time will be announced soon for when we hope to gather together to share our joys, our sorrow, and our memories of an irrepressible, irreplaceable man who was greatly loved. Our hearts may be broken but they will hold him forever.

If you were touched by Ken’s life, please share a message with his family and extensive fan base here if you can.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests contributions in memory of Ken be made to Wells Bridge Fire Department or the Delaware County Humane Society.