Franklin Barry Haber

F. Barry Haber, 90, formerly of Green Valley Arizona passed away on February 23rd, 2023, in Seattle, WA, surrounded by his two children and his loving wife of 65 years, Marion Haber. Barry was born in 1933, in Albany, NY, the son of Franklin H. Haber and Elizabeth (Crone) Haber.

He was survived by his wife Marion, who joined him in heaven nine months later. He is also survived by his son, Matt Haber of Spokane, WA, Kim Haber (Eddie Montag) of Seattle, WA, and his granddaughter, Olive Haber of Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan Robisch of Littlestown, PA, his granddaughter, Claire Haber of Seattle, WA, and his stepmother Jeanne Haber of Defreestville, NY.

Barry graduated from Castleton Union High School in Castleton-On-Hudson, NY. He enlisted in the US Air Force after high school, where he served as a sergeant and was active in the Korean War.

After his service, he continued his education, earning both a Bachelor and Master of Science from the State University of New York-Albany, and a doctorate from Arizona State University.

Barry began his career in higher education in 1965 at the State University of New York – Albany School of Business where he was as a professor and assistant dean. He accepted a position as chairman of the business and economics department at Sioux Falls College and served in this role from 1972 -1980. In 1980, he became the associate dean and professor of accounting at Valparaiso University School of Business until he was appointed and served as dean until 1986. He finished his professional career as the Dean of the School of Business and Economics at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina.

Among his many professional accomplishments and affiliations, Barry was the Executive Secretary of the South Dakota Board of Public Accountancy from 1978 – 1980 and co-authored a successful textbook, "Glencoe Accounting, First-Year Course: Real-World Applications & Connections."

Barry used his business and accounting expertise in the service of others. He served on the board of directors of his church, as vice president and treasurer of the Greater Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, the Girls' Club of Sioux Falls, SD, and was a charter director of the Children's Inn, also in Sioux Falls. Wherever he was, he always gave countless hours to charity work through his church.

Barry’s deep affection for his family, love of people and generous heart were obvious to everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Whether delighting his family with his goofy antics, amusing friends on the golf course with his humor, or bringing smiles to strangers encountered at the grocery store, Barry had an uncanny ability to infuse joy into every day.