Obituary of George C. Barna, Sr.

CASTLETON – George C. Barna Sr, 84, resident of Old Post Road, died peacefully on October 31, 2021, 64 years to the day he first met his only true love.  Born in Cohoes on February 18, 1937, to George and Ann Barna, he was the oldest brother to his sister Joann (Corrigan) and his predeceased brother, John.  After graduating from Cohoes HS in 1957, he served in the National Guard.  Known for his constant hard work, George was employed by both Caterpillar Tractor and the East Greenbush School District bus garage for almost 30 years, while also driving weekends for Yankee Trails.  A very selfless man, George would help anyone in need.  A devout Catholic and deeply religious member of Holy Spirit Church, he attended mass weekly, loved to sing in the St. Joseph choir and recite his rosary daily. He cared tremendously for his wife and family, placing them all before himself.  He loved to cook and could always be counted on for a delicious Sunday dinner.  When not doting on others, he relaxed by playing the organ or basking in the sun, preferably close to the ocean in either Myrtle Beach or Cancun, Mexico.  

George was a devoted husband to Eleanor (Etue) Barna “My Princess” for 62 years.  Together they had two children, predeceased by Elizabeth “Liz” Van Buren (Paul) and George (Ellen) Barna, Jr.  He had 8 beautiful grandchildren, Steve (Amber) and Eric (Amy) Shanholtz, Elyse, Gillian and John Barna, Amanda (Jim) Peace, Adam and Andrew (Jen) Van Buren. George had 10 great grandchildren, Ari and Eli, Caleb, Nora and Sadie, Brianna, Aubrey and Mariah, Harper and Caroline.  He also leaves behind his “Aunt Helen”, many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  The family is sincerely grateful for his incredibly kind neighbors, along with the ICU staff at Albany Medical Center and St. Peter's Nursing Home in Guilderland, who made his last days peaceful.  

Calling hours at W.J. Lyons, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Rensselaer are from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, November 4th.  A Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Church in East Greenbush on Friday November 5th  11:00am, followed by the burial at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Spirit Church or an organization of your choice.