Barry Rabson of Fairport died at home on September 19th 2022 at the age of 93.  He was predeceased by his parents, David and Ruth Rabson.  Barry married a fellow Cornell student, Jean Elkind, in 1952; they celebrated their 70th anniversary this past June.  Barry served during the Korean War at the Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground before moving to Rochester to join Eastman Kodak.  He subsequently earned his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester.  He worked at Kodak for 30 years, retiring in 1986.  Afterward, he worked as a consultant for various companies and for the U.S. Air Force.  To help others enjoy the hobby of home winemaking, he co-founded the Vino Corporation, which manufactured wine- and beer-making kits in Rochester.

Barry’s musical interests began in school, where he played piano and percussion.  He was a supporter of local music, serving on the board of directors of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and on the finance committee.  In retirement, he became an inaugural member of the Eastman School of Music’s New Horizons Band, playing clarinet and bass clarinet until the pandemic.  “It was fun,” he wrote about the first band practice in 1991, “but the music was terrible.”  Soon, he and the band were making good music and found engagements at shopping malls and concert halls.  He was passionate about boating and cross-country skiing. 

Barry is survived by his wife, Jean, sons David (Maria) and Jonathan (Tet), and granddaughter Juliana.  Contributions may be made in his memory to the Rochester Philharmonic (WEBSITE) or to the Eastman School’s New Horizons Fund (WEBSITE)