William G. “Bill” Barrett, a longtime fixture of the Bridgeport community and a dedicated steward of the local waterfront, died Friday, May 8, 2026, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. He was 89 years old.
Known affectionately as “Billy” to friends and neighbors, Mr. Barrett passed away following a brief illness. His death marks the loss of a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the geography and economy of Central New York, having spent nearly his entire life in the town where he was born.
Mr. Barrett was born in Bridgeport on November 11, 1936, the son of the late Conrad Barrett Sr. And Esther Gertrude Taffner Barrett. For decades, he served as a cornerstone of the local maritime community, owning and operating Fisher Bay Marina, a business that provided essential services to boaters and residents along the shoreline.
A Lifelong Connection to Bridgeport
Rarely do residents remain in their birthplace for their entire lives, but Mr. Barrett’s identity was firmly rooted in Bridgeport. From his birth in the mid-1930s through his tenure as a business owner, he witnessed the evolution of the region’s waterfront and the shifting tides of the local economy.
As the proprietor of Fisher Bay Marina, Mr. Barrett was more than a business owner; he was a primary point of contact for the recreational and commercial boating community. In small lakeside and bay communities, the marina operator often serves as an unofficial historian and coordinator for the waterfront, roles that Mr. Barrett filled throughout his years of operation.
Commemorating a Local Legacy
The community will gather next week to honor Mr. Barrett’s contributions and celebrate his long life. The services are structured to allow both private reflection and public mourning, beginning with calling hours and concluding with a traditional Mass of Christian Burial.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Traub Funeral Home, located at 7975 Route 31 in Bridgeport. Following the visitation, a religious service will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, a spiritual center for many in the Bridgeport area.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calling Hours | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Traub Funeral Home, Bridgeport, NY |
| Mass of Christian Burial | Friday, May 15, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. | St. Francis of Assisi Church, Bridgeport, NY |
| Interment | Friday, May 15, 2026 | Following Mass | Pine Plains Cemetery, Kirkville, NY |
Final Arrangements and Memorials
Mr. Barrett will be laid to rest at Pine Plains Cemetery in Kirkville, New York. The transition from the bustling activity of the marina to the quiet of Pine Plains marks the final chapter for a man who spent his life ensuring others could safely enjoy the waters of the region.
While a brief notice has been released, the family indicated that a complete, detailed obituary is currently being finalized and will be posted upon completion to provide a more comprehensive look at Mr. Barrett’s personal history and surviving family.
In lieu of traditional tributes, those wishing to honor Mr. Barrett’s memory may send flowers to the family or arrange for the planting of a memorial tree through the services provided by Traub Funeral Home.
The next confirmed milestone for the family and community will be the Mass of Christian Burial on the morning of Friday, May 15, at St. Francis of Assisi Church.
We invite you to share your memories of Bill Barrett or offer condolences to the family in the comments below.
