Jack received his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Secondary Education at Siena College in Loudonville, New York and his Master’s Degree in Political Science at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.
He served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Elon University, Oklahoma City University, and finally University of Evansville from 2002 until his retirement in May of 2015. Locally, Jack had an unprecedented impact on the University of Evansville, through philanthropic and fundraising support for Harlaxton College, the Ridgway University Center, Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building, endowed scholarships and professorships, renovation of the Bower-Surheinrich Library, and the construction of the McCarthy Greenhouse.
Jack held leadership positions at Winthrop University, Colgate University, The College of Saint Rose, and Marylrose Arts Center. For 18 years, he taught High School History and Social Studies at South Colonie Central Schools. Jack was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and served on the board of the United Methodist Youth Home and was a past member of the Girl Scouts of Raintree Council. Jack served in the Albany County Legislature, combining his interest in politics and service. Jack had a lifelong passion for sailing and sailed competitively and for leisure. He enjoyed reading, especially history and biographies. He was also an avid gardener but most of all he loved his family very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary (Walsh) Barner; and his brother, Tom Barner.
Jack is survived by his wife, Patricia Barner; son, Patrick Jackson Barner; daughter, Jacquelyn Cawley (Ross); daughter, Mary Wiedner; son, Michael Barner (Sue); grandchildren, Katie Cawley, CJ Cawley, Jennifer Bencze, Jason Bencze, Anna Barner, and Andrew Barner; great-grandchildren, Sam Bencze, and Daniel Bencze; brother, Karl Barner (Mary); sisters, Maggie Barner (Joe), Annmarie Perechinsky (Ray), and Donna Perlee; and nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Neu Chapel at the University of Evansville with Rev. Mitch Gieselman officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022 at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.
Memorial contributions can be made to University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47722, United Methodist Youth Home, 2521 N. Burkhardt Road, Evansville, Indiana 47715 or Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, New York 12211.
