Russell D. Barber

Russell D. Barber, 90, of Groton, passed away on January 30, 2026 in the Groton Nursing Facility.

He was born November 23, 1935, a son of the late H. Dale and Beatrice Powers Barber. Russ was raised on a generational family dairy farm where he learned the value of a hard day’s work which he carried throughout his life. 

At the age of 19, Russ started work at Durkee Bakery as a delivery driver. He worked at Barber and Deline Well Drilling for several years and in 1968 founded Barber Pumps & Wells in Groton, working until the age of 75.

In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, collecting antiques, and restoring classic cars that he would often enter at various car shows.

Surviving are his three children, Mandy (Michael) Berry of Cortland; David (Irene) Barber of Seneca Falls and Lori Conklin of Williamson; step-children, Ruthann (James) Jones of Groton; Charles (Jackie) Frost of Bedford, VA; Skip (Karen) Frost of McGraw and Kathy (Steven) Little of McGraw; a brother, Dennis (Annette) Barber of Cortland; sixteen grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn Frost Barber in 2016 and by two brothers, Ronald Barber and Bruce Barber.

In keeping with Russ’s wishes, services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment in McLean Cemetery will be delayed until spring. 

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