Barbara Sullivan Gainey

Barbara Sullivan Gainey, 90, died Wednesday, August 8, 2012. She was born in Ithaca on January 27, 1922, daughter of the late Myrtus and Elizabeth Wells Sullivan and was the widow of Joseph "Bucky" Gainey Sr. who died in 1990.

Barb graduated from Ithaca High School in 1940. She returned to Ithaca High in 1956 when she became the Assistant to the Athletic Director, a position she would hold until her retirement in 1980. In 2003 she was inducted in the Ithaca High School Athletic Hall of Fame. She was an active lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Barb is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Joesph and Pam Gainey of Ithaca; her grandson, Anthony Gainey of Syracuse and her sister, Margaret Davis of Melbourne, FL as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Barb was also predeceased by her daughter, Eileen Gainey and her sisters, Betty Begent and Helen Lang.

In keeping with Barb's wishes a private graveside service will be held at the Calvary Cemetery. She wished that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be directed to the Ithaca High Sports Booster Club, P.O. Box 65, Ithaca, NY 14851-0065. Bangs Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.bangsfuneralhome.com