Daniel A. Barr Sr., “Pa Barr”

OLEAN — Daniel A. Barr Sr., 82, of Olean, passed away peacefully at home Saturday (Aug. 30, 2025), surrounded in love by his loving wife and family, and some friends.

Born Sept. 11, 1942, in Olean, he was the son of John V. and Helen M. Hoffmire Barr Sr. On Nov. 17, 1962, at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany, he married Sharon S. Fowler, who survives.

Dan was raised in Allegany where he attended St. Bonaventure Parochial School and where he served as an altar boy. He later graduated from Allegany Central School in 1960.

In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Boyd as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

He worked at a number of local companies in the Olean area both as a young man, and concurrently throughout the years as a full-time employee of Clark Bros., later called Dresser Rand. He worked in both manufacturing and in the office. Early employment included the former W.T. Grant Co., Salvan’s Cleaners, the Big N, Van Der Horst Corp., as a cab and school bus driver and recently as a door dasher copilot.

Dan was a parishioner of St. Bonaventure Church where he received his sacraments and was married. He also spent many years bringing his family to Saint Mary’s Basilica. He enjoyed volunteering for Christmas in April as well as for Meals on Wheels.

What was most special to him was being a part of his children’s many sports and school activities as they were growing up.

He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, was a former Little League baseball coach, and enjoyed playing horseshoes, shooting pool and playing cards. Those who were fortunate to have become his friend understood and learned not to fear the call by him to have a “talk by the sink” or become a “Cardinal” (if you know, you know).

He leaves behind his loving wife, Sharon of almost 63 years; five children, Anne (Andy) Carlson of Olean, Tami (Vic) Ozogar of Olean, Chrissie Barr (ex, Creg Parker) of Olean, Terri (the late Gligor) Iliev of Olean and Danny (Tracey Klein) Barr Jr. of Livonia; grandchildren, Ashley (Colt), Amanda (Curt), Jessi (Daryl), John (Nikki), Chris (Brittany), Kyle (Kyah), Gabby (Andrew), Izzy, Fylicia (John), Jorden, Morgan (Dustin), Brody (Bryce) and Tanner ; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Eileen Shabala of Allegany; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers and sisters, Mary Pezzimenti, Patty Carapellatti, Jack Barr, Reenie Prevesk Nelson and Ellen Peck.

Friends are encouraged to wear jeans and Buffalo Bills gear to a visitation from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (Sept. 5, 2025) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 6, 2025), in St. Bonaventure Church. Pastor Chris Emminger will be the celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery with full military honors being accorded by the Allegany American Legion ritual team along with members of the Olean American Legion and the Reinforcement M.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Olean American Legion, 307 E. State St., Olean, NY 14760; Homecare and Hospice, 115 E. Main St., Allegany, NY 14706; Meals on Wheels, 1 Leo Moss Drive, Olean, NY 14760; or to the Reinforcements MC, 574 Main St., Limestone, NY 14753.