Barry L. McKee, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday morning Sept. 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love and care of his family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Barry was born November 15, 1954, in Hornell to the late Donald and Lois (Beatie) McKee. On July 24th 1976, he married the love of his life, former Kathleen “Kathy” Kelley who survives and resides in Canisteo.
He was a graduate of Canisteo Central school class of 1973 where he excelled in football, wrestling and track. He went on to help coach football at Alfred State and Alfred University in the 80’s and 90’s. In the early 2000s, he came back to his hometown and was a special teams coach for the Canisteo Redskins, which he was most proud of. Barry won 2nd at States in high school wrestling and was a pole vault record holder for the Redskins track team. For work, he was employed as a customer quality representative for Alstom and various rail companies over the course of 40+ years.
Barry loved spending time with his family and many friends. He enjoyed a “nice cold one”, good music, and was always the life of every party with his quick jokes and good humor. Barry loved walking around Canisteo, playing his guitar for all to hear, and watching old reruns of The Three Stooges. He also appreciated a good karaoke night, or “Barryoke”, as he would call it.
In addition to his wife Kathy, Barry is survived by a son Ryan (Michelle) McKee of Alfred Station, daughters Tamela (Jahn) Greenfield and Shealyn (Brandon) Friends all of Canisteo. His seven wonderful grandchildren Irelyn, Lyla and Conall Greenfield, Kennedy and Iris McKee and Bryn and Gage Friends. He is also survived by three brothers Donald (Mary) McKee of Pa. Mike (Melissa) McKee of Hornell and AJ (Renee) McKee of Canisteo and several loving family members including sister and brother in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by brothers Daniel and David McKee.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Barry’s life on October 3rd at the Canisteo American Legion starting at 4pm. Final interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Barry’s name may be made to the Canisteo-Greenwood Chargers Football program.
Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.
A full and complete obituary can be read online along with shared condolences and memories at hpsmithandsonfuneralhome.com
