Barry J. Preston

Barry J. Preston

HOWARD – Barry J. Preston, 88, passed away Thursday (Jan. 18, 2024) at Elderwood at Hornell.

Born in Avoca, NY on Sept. 18, 1935, a son of Ralph E. and Belle Rose (Reynolds) Preston. On Oct. 12, 1961 he was married in Wallace, NY to Patricia Heard Preston, who predeceased him on Oct. 11, 2017 after 56 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by one son, Timothy Preston and a son-in-law, Michael Taylor.

Barry was employed by the Steuben County Highway Department as a truck driver.

An avid Dale Earnhart fan, he enjoyed playing cards, bingo, coffee with the boys and tinkering.

Surviving are three children, Michael (Deborah) Preston of Bath, NY, Michele Taylor of Shinglehouse, PA and Kevin (Anna) Preston of Bath, NY; seven grandchildren, Melinda Preston (Christopher Cleary), Heather (Nik) Preston Chase, Kayla Taylor (Michael O’Sullivan), Kyle (Sierra) Taylor, Aaron (Samantha) Preston, Megan Preston and Zachary Preston; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Cleary, Zoey Chase, Theodore Preston, Wesley Preston and Roseallee Taylor; two sisters, Carol Preston of Avoca, NY and Dinah Mayer of Lima, NY; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be no calling hours. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family at the Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA. Interment will be in Valley View Cemetery, Avoca.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to their favorite charity.

A special thank you to the staff and his “gals” at Elderwood at Hornell.

The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Barry’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Barry are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.