Louis Anthony Barile

Louis Anthony Barile passed away on Friday, October 16, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Utica on August 30, 1927, Louis was the son of Luigi and Adelina (Altieri) Barile, immigrants from Ausonia, Italy. Raised and educated in Utica, he enrolled at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Grammar School. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School Class of 1945. As a proud veteran, Lou served his country in the United States Army stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey until his honorable discharge in 1946. Working part time, he enrolled in Utica College of Syracuse University where he earned a B.A. in English. He met and married the love of his life, Janet Panasiewicz, with whom he shared many wonderful years until her passing on January 5, 1999. In the mid-1940s, Lou worked as a radio personality at WKAL Rome and WIBX Utica. He was spinning vinyl discs when the big band sounds began their transition into the Rock & Roll era. He was instrumental in bringing Bill Haley & His Comets to the Capitol Theatre in Rome (at that time, they were advertised as the first Rock & Roll band in the country.) He also had the opportunity to work with premier performers including Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly & the Crickets, Fats Domino, and Johnny Mathis. With his talent, he became the voice of the Mohawk Valley at WIBX hosting the daily Lou Barile Show. Listeners will also remember him for his live radio broadcasts from the Stanley Theater. With his love for literature, Mr. Barile began teaching English at Frankfort High School in the early ‘60s. He loved teaching and developed many long lasting friendships with the students there. Due to Lou’s immense popularity as a disc jockey personality, he was asked to enter the political arena. In 1964, he became a full-time servant of the people and was elected City Treasurer. Voters returned him to office for 12 consecutive terms. His philosophy as an elected official was to help people. During his 1970 campaign as Democratic candidate for Assemblyman, he proposed a coalition that would provide bipartisan support for partnership with the New York State Government to improve area highways, colleges, housing, and transportation. In 1989, the offices of the City Treasurer and Comptroller were merged by referendum. Lou won that election in 1989 under the newly-formed position after having been endorsed by Governor Mario Cuomo who stated that, “Lou has earned a reputation for honesty and competence. He has been a public servant of extraordinary dedication.” He was also backed by the President of the Mohawk Valley Building and Construction Trades Council who affirmed that, “Lou has long been a staunch supporter of the average working person’s goals, and has steadfastly stayed firm in his political and philosophical beliefs.” The Utica Professional Fire Fighters Association wrote that Lou, “stands for knowledge, honesty, integrity, and compassion; and he will keep a watchful eye on our precious tax dollars.” The United Food and Commercial Workers fired up his campaign for Comptroller by categorizing Lou as a candidate who will “not yield to party pressure, and will make the right decisions on the city’s fiscal matters.” In more recent years, Lou was proud of his partnership with his son in the creation of uticaamradio.org which preserves and honors the history and legacy of the WIBX organization. For over 4 years, along with his son, he offered a Saturday morning Internet Radio Show operating under the name CNY Urban Guy (www.blogtalkradio.com/cnyurbanguy). Lou loved the Mohawk Valley, especially Utica, and could discuss in great detail the events, programs, and triumphs in his community. Lou dedicated a plaque to the Utica War Memorial Auditorium commemorating Senator John F. Kennedy’s visit on September 29, 1960. Many remember receiving his anniversary and birthday cards. Those that were close to him will remember that his annual Christmas card was the first to arrive at the holiday season and often incorporated the stained glass and altars of local churches. Lou’s daughter has precious memories of the time spent with her father in Italy, especially Ausonia, the town in which his parents were born. A very spiritual and faith-based man, he was deeply devoted to his Christian faith and had the honor of receiving Communion at the Vatican on his birthday. Lou’s hobbies included photography, which he incorporated with his love of local history. Physically active and health-conscious, he walked 5 miles per day year round. Lou was a member of the Nocturnal Adoration Society with perfect attendance for over 50 years; the Comity Club; Knights of Columbus Utica Council #189 Fourth Degree, Order of the Alhambra, Sante Fe Caravan #40; La Banda Rossa (The Red Band); National Railway Historical Society; and Fort Schuyler Post #1290 of the American Legion. In line with his love for his City, he was commended by the Oneida County Historical Society for having bequeathed the Utica Sesquicentennial Plaque as an addition to the Uticana Collection enabling future generations to enjoy archival items from the past. Louis is survived by his daughter, Monica Cook, Esq., and her husband, Honorable Frank Cook, of New Hartford; his son and daughter-in-law, Louis and Laura Barile of Liverpool; his sister, Lydia Zegarelli of New Hartford; his nieces and nephews, Mary and Christopher Hare, Vincent Zegarelli, and Patrick Zegarelli; his great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, and his many special friends, including Donald “Dini” Franco, and his lifelong friend Franny Suppa. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Pasquale Zegarelli. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Louis’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army.

Louis Anthony Barile

August 30, 1927 - October 16, 2015