Obituary: Dr. Barry Mark Weinberg

Dr. Barry Mark Weinberg, age 66, of Mebane, N.C., passed away on Jan. 30, 2011 in the arms of "the love of his life" his wife, Pamela Wienhold-Weinberg, at Duke University Hospital in Durham. He battled Hodgkins Lymphoma since May of 2010 and won the battle in December, but succumbed to lung damage from the chemotherapy that he hoped had saved his life. Barry was so brave during his illness and fought with great courage. Until the last hour of his life, he maintained his strength and sense of humor along with his great smile.

Barry was born and grew up in Bronx, N.Y., on Feb. 16, 1944, the son of Terry and Samuel Weinberg, both previously deceased. He was also predeceased by stepfather Arthur Marks. In addition to his wife, Pam, he is survived by stepchildren, Eric Kuchera (and wife Leslee) and Cristen Kuchera-Fogle (and husband Joshua), whom he loved so very much and preferred to call his ""son and daughter."" He adored his granddaughter Kylie and grandson Owen. Just hours before he passed away, he was delighted to hear the news of another grandchild due in September. He delighted in being his grandchildren's ""Poppy"" and will be sadly missed.

Barry's hobbies included tennis and during his college years he was awarded a tennis scholarship to SUNY, NY at New Paltz. In addition to his long career in education administration, he managed several rock bands during the 1970's in Maryland. During that time he also enjoyed photography and used his talent for doing band portraits for album covers.

Barry had an extensive educational background, first graduating in 1965 from the State University of New York at New Paltz, with a BS degree in Education/Behavioral Sciences. He earned a Masters Degree in 1967 from State University of New York at Albany. He also studied at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., receiving a certificate of Continuing Studies in Behavioral Sciences in 1981. He received his Doctorate of Education and Higher Education Administration in 1988 from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Dr. Weinberg began his career in higher education at Nassau Community College on Long Island, N.Y. (1966-1970) where he was Senior Counselor in Admissions and Financial Aid and was an assistant professor in Psychology and Sociology. He was Director of Financial Aid at Essex Community College in Baltimore, Md. (1970-1980). During that time, he also worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychology at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md. (1972-1974) and Assistant Professor of Psychology at Dundalk Community College in Baltimore, Md. (1977-1978). He worked as University Director of Financial Aid at Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio (1980-1982). He furthered his career as Senior Director of Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs and at Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Md. (1982-1992).

After receiving his doctorate degree from Vanderbilt, he became Dean of Students and Community Relations at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park, Minn. (1992-1995). He worked as Dean of Student Services at Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, N.C. (1995-1997) and then moved on to be Vice President for College Advancement at Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, N.C. (1997-2001). He then became President at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown, N.Y. (2001-2005).

Dr. Weinberg retired from his higher education career and pursued photography. He had an enjoyable few years (2005-2008) doing professional weddings, special events and portrait photography. Dr. Weinberg returned to higher education once more in the fall of 2008 when he was hired as Executive Vice-President at Alamance Community College, where he thrived in the ""most fun job"" during his career and enjoyed the wonderful employees and students. He took pride throughout his career being an advocate for students, a mentor to staff and students, looking ""outside the box"" and obtaining grants to create educational new programs for students. His dedication to ""education for all"" is the legacy he left behind.

In addition to his career, Barry received many honors awarded to him, including: Minnesota Governor's Certificate of Commendation (1994); North Hennepin Leadership Academy (1993); Outstanding Service Award, Anne Arundel Community College Foundation, Inc.(1992); The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (1987); Peabody/Vanderbilt University Academic Honors Scholarship (1985-1987); Outstanding Young Men of America Award, U.S. Jaycees (1977). Barry was also dedicated to Rotary International throughout his career and until his passing.

Barry was truly a ""gentle"" man who freely gave to others. He had a great sense of humor which put a smile on the faces of those who knew him. He would want everyone to remember the good times shared with him and may those memories make you smile. During his difficult journey with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Barry was always very touched by all the love, prayers and good wishes that were of tremendous support to him and his wife Pam. Family would like to thank all of our friends near and afar, the Alamance Community College Board of Directors for its support and Barry's ACC family, especially those who took on the extra workload to do his job of Executive Vice President during his long absence. This includes Dr. Martin Nadelman, President of Alamance Community College, Terry McNeill, Dean of Curriculum Programs, Linda McAdams, Barry's Administrative Assistant, who worked so hard to keep Barry up to date with ACC activities and fielded many phone calls and office visits from other college employees to check on Barry's progress and send good wishes.

Although we lost Barry all too soon, the Duke ""miracle workers"" saved his life this past summer and made it possible for us to have a few additional months to treasure him each day. He will be greatly missed. In addition to his loving wife and family, Barry has sadly left behind so many wonderful friends from all the places his career paths took him throughout the years. He always cherished the memorable times spent together.

Following cremation, a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, Alamance Community College Foundation, Inc., or to a charity of one's choice