Obituary of Barry S. Poppey

Barry Steven Poppey, 74, of New Lebanon, New York, passed away suddenly on June 3, 2023. Barry was the youngest son of Cora (Wildermuth) Poppey and Michael Poppey and brother of Patricia (Poppey) Fisher and Michael Poppey, Jr. 

Barry began his career in the early 70’s leasing the Sunoco Station on Red Mill Road in East Greenbush. He loved working on cars and was well known for his mechanical and autobody skills. Barry also loved to help his friends and family while he enjoyed his venture, and all throughout his life. After work one night at the Hideaway Tavern, he met his amazing wife and soulmate, Esther, whom he married and shortly thereafter, adopted their children, Steven and Darcey.

After relocating to New Lebanon, Barry joined Quetti Auto Body in Pittsfield and was the lead auto body tech for more than 20 years. Barry decided it was time for a change and found his real passion, driving truck. After getting his feet wet with Henry V. Rector Inc., he branched out on his own and for years was the lead truck at Callanan Industries. Aside from his wife, his truck was his gal!

While Barry’s wife was known for coming home with stray kids, Barry was well known for coming home with stray animals, but he loved all of the kids that would come and stay the night, or the year, and he treated them as his own.  

After his son’s unexpected passing in 1990, Barry’s new passion was his granddaughter, Ashley, the apple of his eye. Barry was blessed with two more grandchildren, and he doted on them all. He always had his grandson, his wingman, with him in his garage where they could outnumber the girls up at the house. 

Barry was a huge fan of Motown (Four Tops were on all the time) and old school country but he always was listening to Mason and Sheehan on PYX 106. He enjoyed drag racing his 67 Chevy at the LV Speedway, celebrating his victories with his son by his side; every Saturday night, Barry and his wife headed to Bowling Green with his sister, her husband and the rest of the family. He reserved Sunday mornings for the Pittsfield Bakery and reading the cartoons with his kids.

Barry had many friends and acquaintances, and his garage was a well-known “landmark” in NL that the men would gather and hang out (or hide out). Barry and his best friend, John King, spent countless nights in the garage “working on cars”.  Donnie “Bubonnie” and Raul were usually not far behind.

After retirement, Barry enjoyed watching the Mentalist with his grandson, watching PitBull’s and Parolees and Rocky Mountain Vet with his granddaughters, driving his lawnmower like a racecar, driving his wife crazy, and going to Facebook Jail. A true rebel with a soft heart.

Loving husband to Esther, who he adored; hardworking and protective dad to Steven and Darcey, Grampa Bear to Ashley (Trey) Watford, Samantha Bergdoll and Billy Bergdoll-Poppey, great-grampa to Ada, Jace and Justin Watford and Joey Spinner; Barry is also survived by his nephews:  John(Tracy) Fisher, Mickey (Nancy) Poppey, Tommy (Elissa) Poppey, and his niece Mary (Tom) McClune with whom he shared very close bonds with over the years, and several nieces and nephews that he loved very much. Barry will be dearly missed by his Southern friends, Cathi and Kurt Berger, his comrade and confidante, Uncle John King and his cherished furbaby, Dixie. The family wishes to thank the Fisher Family (John, Tracy, D’Auray, Delaina and Dennin) for all of their help and compassion; and to his late-in-life dear friend, Mark Feiden who blessed him with kindness and care during his final years.   

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Barry's family on Friday, June 9th, 2023, from 4:00-6:30 pm with a brief service beginning at 6:30 pm, at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm St. Nassau, NY 12123. Interment will be private at the convenience of Barry's family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Barry's memory to the Lebanon Valley Protective Association.