Obituary of Thomas N. Barnell

Thomas M. Barnell passed away on April 15, 2004 at Lady Lake, Florida, after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. A graduate of LeMoyne College, Class of 1956, and the Syracuse University College of Law in 1959, he was a partner in the law firm of Farrell, Martin & Barnell in Baldwinsville. He retired from the firm in June 2002, after more than 40 years of service to the legal community. Mr. Barnell was actively involved with the Onondaga County Bar Association, being a 30-year member and two-time Chairman of its Real Property Committee. He also served as a Lecturer at New York State Bar Association seminars on Real Property Law. He served as Justice of the Town of Van Buren for 8 years and Acting Police Judge of the Village of Baldwinsville for a term. Mr. Barnell then served 2 terms on the Education and Libraries Committee, which played a prominent role in the formation of the centralized Onondaga County Library System and oversaw the continued development of Onondaga Community College. Mr. Barnell was actively involved in his church and community. For 10 years, he taught CCD classes to high school seniors at St. Mary’s in Baldwinsville. He was a Director and President of the Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce, Director of the Baldwinsville Kiwanis Club, a member of the Baldwinsville Narcotic Guidance Council, and a member of the Advisory Committee for Project R.O.S.E. He also served as Secretary and Director of the Baldwinsville Development Corporation. In the course of his career, Mr. Barnell was particularly pleased with his receipt of the Baldwinsville Jaycee Distinguished Service Award, the 1986 Monroe Abstract and Title Corporation “Good Guy” Award, and an Achievement Award from the Number Four Rod and Paddle Club. He is survived by the former Catherine E. Borrow, his wife of 48 years, his son, Michael J. Barnell of St. Louis, his daughter, Kathleen A. Kolodziejczyk of Syracuse, his grandchildren Gary Kolodziejczyk, Laura Kolodziejczyk, Andrew Barnell, Erica Barnell, and Erin Kolodziejczyk, a sister, Nancy A. Nowell, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. Calling hours will be from 4:00PM until 7:00PM on Friday, May 7 at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street in Baldwinsville. Services will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Baldwinsville on Saturday, May 8, at 9:00AM. In lieu of flowers, those that wish may make donations to LeMoyne College’s Scholarship Fund, Division of Institutional Advancement, 1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse, NY 13214.