 WESTFIELD - Stephen "Steve" Baran, age 80, of West Main St., Westfield, NY, died Friday, January 4, 2013 at St. Vincent Health Center of Erie, PA, following an extended illness.
Steve was born on January 31, 1932 in Westfield, the son of the late Walter and Anna (Telep) Baran. A Westfield resident all his life, Steve was a graduate of Westfield Central School and Cornell University with a degree in Pomology. He furthered his education in Farm Management and Enology at the University of California, Davis Campus. Steve was a US Army Veteran having served with the 7th Infantry Division and was stationed in Korea from 1952 until his Honorable discharge in 1954. Steve was very active in his community having served as chairman of the Westfield Board of Public Utilities, as past President and current board member of the Westfield Cemetery Assoc., as a member and past president of the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club, where he was very active in the Group Study Exchange, Chairman of the Rural Urban Committee, Past District Director for the Rotary District 709 World Community Service as well as member and chairman of numerous committees and the Rotary Foundation. In 1982, as team leader for District 709 of Rotary International, Steve lead a group of young men to Israel for 6 weeks. Steve was also very involved in the Westfield Memorial Hospital Capital Fund Raising campaign and was Division Chairman in 1978 and continued his involvement during the annual fund drives. Steve had an interest in the Sea Lion project and served as Division Chairman in 1981. He had also been active in the Westfield Jaycee's and held every elected office and was also NY State Jaycee Vice President. He had also served on the Westfield Central School Board of Education, the Chautauqua County Economic Business Council, the Farmers Home Administration and the Village of Westfield Planning Board. As involved in his community as he was, Steve had a passion for the farming community as well. Besides being the operator of Baran Vineyards of Westfield, Steve was a current seated member of the Board of Directors of Growers Cooperative Grape Juice Company, first elected to the Board in 1993 and served as President of the Board from 2004 until 2012. He had also been a member of, and a committeeman of Welch Foods, Inc. and had been a Delegate to the Board of Directors. Steve was named Chautauqua County's and NY State's "Outstanding Young Farmer" in 1968 and represented all of NYS at the National Conference. In 1996 he was chosen as the "Grape Industry Person of the Year", by the Lake Erie Regional Grape Advisory Committee for meritorious service and outstanding contributions to the Lake Erie Regional Grape industry. Steve's knowledge and passion for farming lead him to be chosen by the Eisenhower Foundation to participate in the PEOPLE TO PEOPLE exchange in 1969 with the Soviet Union, Hungary, East and West Germany on an agricultural tour. He was selected by USAID to spend a month in the Ukraine during 1992 working with a team of specialists and the Russian farmers during the breakup of the collective farms. The purpose was to show them how to establish individual management plans including establishing vineyards and how to finance the farm operation. in 1994 the USAID sent Steve to Egypt during the summer months to work with a team of specialists and Egyptian farmers to oversee and study the overuse of chemicals in the vineyards and to teach local farmers more about pest management with less chemical use. He and Helen hosted numerous groups of foreign visitors on tours of their vineyards and grape processing plants in our area. Steve remained loyal to his alma mater, Cornell University. He served the Cornell Cooperative Extension as a Board Member and as a member and chair of almost every committee. He was a director of the NYS Wine Grape Growers Assoc., a member of the Cost of Production Committee, the New York-Canada Agricultural Committee and chaired the Cornell Cooperative Extension Committee that was charged with the responsibility to investigate and formulate the networking of the Grape Programs in New York Pennsylvania and Ohio. Steve gave numerous speeches and forums regarding various vineyard practices and was eager to participate with Cornell University in vineyard and equipment experiments. Steve was always willing to help educate young and old alike on grape farming. He donated countless hours and a vineyard to students from Westfield Academy to give them the practical experience that, to Steve, was so invaluable. He will be forever known as an innovator in the Grape Growing industry. in 2012 Steve and Helen were awarded the George Weaver "footprints" award by the Northern Chautauqua Community foundation. He was an avid buffalo bills fan and longtime season ticket holder. and was a member of the Chautauqua County Investment Club. He is survived by his wife of 47 years: Helen (Stidd) Baran, whom he married on January 1, 1966 in Westfield, his three daughters: Elaine (Brian) Mahoney of Rochester, NY, Julie (Rod) Travis of Westfield, Beth Baran of Amsterdam, NY and his one son: Stephan Baran of Westfield. Steve was the very proud grandfather of Christine (Jon) Graber of NYC and Stephen Mahoney of Rochester, NY. He is further survived by his two sisters: Betty Andes of Shadyside, OH, and Ann Boyle of Atlanta, GA and his one brother: John (Frances) Baran of Needham, MA; Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as Zeba, his Beloved Dog also survive.. Besides his parents Steve was preceded in death by his first Wife, Faithann (Golem) Baran, who died in 1962, his two sisters, Anastasia (Nell) Lock, and Olga Naeser, and by his two brothers, Walter (Peggy) Baran and Andrew (Evie) Baran. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY. and are invited to attend The Funeral Services to be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at The First Presbyterian Church and Society of Westfield, 49 So. Portage St., Westfield, NY with Rev. Stephen Morse officiating. Private family burial will be in Westfield Cemetery. The Baran family suggests that Memorials be made to The Lake Erie Concord Grape Heritage Assoc., PO Box 194, Westfield, NY 14787 or to The Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, 189 East Main Street, Westfield, NY 14787. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Steve's family a message of condolence. |
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Dear Helen & Family, May warm memories of the happy times you shared comfort you. Take solace in knowing that Steve's legacy lives on through all of his positive, charitable deeds, & through all of you. Our sincere condolences to you. With deepest sympathy, Sue Hammond & Jim Wakeman Written by Sue Hammond 2013-01-06 7:12:54 PM
our sincere sympathies are with you and your family. Mike and Jennifer June Written by Jennifer June 2013-01-06 8:33:22 PM
Dear Helen and Family, Our prayers for God's strength and His peace at this very sad time. We cherish having known Steve, and are, with the community, so grateful for his many, many contributions. We will miss him. Written by Tom and Joan Lemke 2013-01-07 10:10:42 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories of Steve's wonderful life and the legacy he leaves bring you comfort and peace. Dan and Katie Smith Written by Dan and Katie Smith 2013-01-07 11:05:49 AM
Dear Helen, Oh how we will miss watching those gorgeous sunsets on the farm with Steve.Steve was so beloved and accomplished because he was a great "listener", humble and kind to everyone that crossed the threshold into his home or walked into his beloved vineyards! Loved the twinkle in his eye and great sense of humor!!! Loved watching him on the "picker" and knew he was happiest in his beloved "vineyards" and eating one of your fabulous meals with Zeba by his side! With our deepest sympathy, Brenda and Fred Written by Brenda Curtis- and Fred Heiken 2013-01-07 11:27:09 AM
My thoughts are with you and yours. Steve was a joy and his smile could light up a room. What a wonderful person. It was a pleasure to know him. Written by Lisa Schultz 2013-01-07 11:34:29 AM
Dear Helen....so very very sorry for your loss. My Deepest Sympathies to you and your family. Cynthia (Brenda's cousin) Written by Cynthia Mace Arnett 2013-01-07 12:00:48 AM
Dear Helen, Julie, and Family. So very sorry to hear the news. I am thinking about you. I am so glad I got to know Steve a little bit at our shared dinners (Jack's).He loved to educate me about grape farming. God Bless you. Garry Written by Garry Brown 2013-01-07 12:01:28 PM
Baran family - Our condolences for your loss. It was such a pleasure to know Steve. I enjoyed our many meetings at the Bark Grill, Rotary functions and at Jack's over the years. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Jim Blanchard & Ann Belcher Written by Jim Blanchard 2013-01-07 1:11:11 PM
Julia and Helen, Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Steve. he was an extremely kind man, and made my days at Westfield all the better. Peter Written by Peter Aleksandrowicz 2013-01-07 1:40:50 PM
so sorry for uor life long friend Written by alfred hall 2013-01-07 1:56:19 PM
Sorry for your loss, though Steve didnt know who I was. I knew him as a model citizen of Westfield for many years. Written by Craig DeLand 2013-01-07 2:36:07 PM
Peace be with your entire family. Westfield has lost a great man. Jane and Jim Minton Written by Jane Minton 2013-01-07 2:59:25 PM
Dear Helen & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Someone as special as Steve will never be forgotten. He will remain in our hearts forever. Steve was a truly genuine and caring person, who had a positive influence on so many people, including myself. I will never forget the countless life lessons he shared. I am honored to have known Steve and so very fortunate he impacted my life. With Deepest Sympathy, John, Kathy & Chet Written by John Machemer 2013-01-07 3:10:31 PM
Dear Helen and Family, So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. We are wintering at our home in Florida, but wish you all God's comfort and prayers for you and the family at this time of sorrow. Written by William & Patricia Burgess 2013-01-07 4:06:08 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you deal with your loss. Steve was not only a great member of our community, but also a thoughtful and wonderful neighbor. Written by Michael & Barbara Breads 2013-01-07 6:06:43 PM
To Steve's family, we are truly saddened to hear the loss of a great man of Westfield. My God keep you hand help you in your time of grief. Written by Janet and Betty Reid 2013-01-07 6:24:31 PM
Dear Helen and family, we are so sorry to hear of your lost. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this diffucult time. Ed & Sue Czysz Written by Edward Czysz 2013-01-07 7:22:28 AM
Helen and Family, My sincerest prayers are with all of you at this time. Your loss is great and know that Steve will be missed here at Grower's. We had a chance to see each other and your words of kindness to our family while you were suffering was so kind and thoughtful. Remain strong and God Bless!! Written by Jim Gillespie 2013-01-07 8:12:08 AM
Helen & family A loss too deep for words; Steve will always be remembered for his invaluable services to the Westfield community, and as a wonderful friend. Written by John & Carolyn Rawlinson 2013-01-07 8:25:18 AM
Julie, Steve and family, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you. Written by Fred - Darlene Forsythe 2013-01-07 8:45:00 PM
So sorry for your loss... Written by Nora Cutting-Shreve 2013-01-07 9:13:17 AM
Dear Julie and family, Read the sad news in the paper yesterday. Westfield has lost a great ambassador, and your family a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Louise Written by Louise Young 2013-01-07 9:14:41 AM
Helen & family, I as so sorry to hear about Steve's passing. He will be missed by not only the residents of Westfield, but others around the area. He was a valuable asset to the community. Written by Jeri Benzing 2013-01-08 10:34:34 AM
Helen, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I know this journey has been long and hard. I pray you fell Christ's presence with you as you go through this time. Mark Webb Written by Mark Webb 2013-01-08 12:25:41 PM
Baran Family, It was a pleasure getting to know all of you and caring for your Husband/Father at the hospital. Your family will always be remembered and you are all in my prayers. Elisha Duell (St.Vincent Nurse) Written by Elisha Duell 2013-01-08 2:46:03 AM
Dear Helen and Family. I am sorry to learn of the passing of Steve. I know that he be missed by many. Written by Harold Walker 2013-01-08 5:03:42 PM
Drora Karniel of Kfar Tavor, Israel, dictated her condolence message over the phone after I read her your email and the linked obituary. I, Tamar, send you much love, and I miss Steve though we never met. Dear Helen, I am very sad to learn of your husband, Steve's, death. You were such a lovely couple, and hosted me and my husband, Mordechai, welcoming us as family. Steve was a fine person, someone like you, whom we rarely meet in life. I hope you find comfort in the good person Steve was and in the good work he did all his life. Be strong. May Steve's memory be a blessing. Love, Drora (who loves you so much and can never forget you. You are my family.) Written by Drora Karniel 2013-01-08 5:28:13 AM
Helen, I am truly sorry for you and your family's loss. I know this has been a very difficult journey. My thoughts and prayer are with you at this difficult time. Written by Tom Fucci 2013-01-08 6:23:48 AM
Dear Helen: Carol and I were sad to hear of Steve's death. We watched you from a distance as you and he quietly went about doing the good that you always did for Westfield and the larger community. Of your children we knew Julie best and we hope you will pass along to her and the rest of your family our sincere condolences. Carol and Art Webster Written by Art Webster 2013-01-08 7:45:44 AM
Dear Mrs Baran. My sincere condolences to you and your family on passing of your husband.May God comfort you in your sorrow. Zee Chorazy Written by Zdzislaw Chorazy 2013-01-08 8:09:26 PM
Ms. Helen this is Chad Snead im JB and Linda nephew from North Carolina you met me and Shanda a few years back when we came to visit. We enjoyed meeting you and Mr. Steve and getting to know the two of you. Shanda and I are deeply sorry for your loss we could tell you two loved each other deeply and I know his loss will not only be felt by you but by all his friends and community. We will be praying for you and will be keeping up with you thur uncle JB and aunt Linda. Written by Chad and Shanda Snead 2013-01-08 8:44:50 AM
My deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you. Written by Gloria McCormick 2013-01-09 10:30:30 AM
Our deepest condolences. Steve was obviously a loved, talented and charitable man. We are sorry we did not get to know him better. He will be missed by so many people. Written by Robert and Valentina Lee 2013-01-09 5:28:05 PM
Dear Helen, Such good memories I have of talking with you and Steve at family gatherings. I am saddened by this news and will miss him. My love and prayers are with you. Marti Written by Marti Yarington 2013-01-09 8:35:01 AM
Helen, I was sorry to learn of your husband's passing. My sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Natalie Written by Natalie Dwyer-Haller 2013-01-10 12:56:26 PM
Dear Helen and Family: After reading Steve's obituary and recalling how much he and you have done for grape farmers,the grape industry and Westfield, I think the words of Adlai Stevenson, in his eulogy for a friend seems so appropriate: "I think it will always be April in our memory of him. It will always be a bright, fresh day, full of the infinite vanity and the promise of new life. Perhaps noting has gone at all. Perhaps only the embodiment of the thing tender, precious to us all - a friendship that is immortal and doesn't pass along. It will always be revived for me as I know for each of you each spring". You know better than any of the rest of us what a rock Steve was for all of us. Mary and I send our warmest, deepest thoughts. Joe Gerace Written by Joseph Gerace 2013-01-10 6:31:35 PM
deepest sympathy to you and your family for your lose... Written by ART N PEGGY AMIDON 2013-01-10 7:17:14 PM
Dear Helen, Our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. Not too many people have the opportunity to make such an impact on a community as Steve did. We feel fortunate to have known him - his gentle ways and "pearls of wisdom" will always be how we will remember him. We are so sorry that we were unable to pay our respects in person. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Barbara and Bob Written by Bob and Barbara Malinowski 2013-01-11 10:28:16 PM
We are so sorry for your loss. Steve had such a gentle spirit and true love of the land. He will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Written by John and Cathy Riscili- Staszewski 2013-01-11 4:41:53 PM
I was so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. It always seems that people are gone too quickly from our lives. I hope that you and your family can find comfort from the bibles message at Revelation 21: 3&4 where it says that "God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry or pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." My deepest condolences to you and your family! Written by Emily Plott 2013-01-11 6:10:20 AM
Helen and Family: I'm so sorry to learn of Steve's passing. Living next door to you brings back so many memories of helping in the cherry orchards and grape vineyards. I loved how he rewarded our hard work of pulling brush and tying grapes with a bird's eye view on the grape picker. He was always such a gracious and kind man. You and your family are in my prayers. Written by Brenda Prell (Rose) 2013-01-16 3:44:10 PM |