David F. Barrows

David F. "Dave" Barrows, 72, of Norwich, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Syracuse VA Medical Center surrounded by family.

Born on December 28, 1953 to Cecil and Dorothy (Smith) Barrows where he grew up in McDonough, NY on a farm with his nine siblings. He was a graduate of Oxford High School with the class of 1972. After graduating high school, he joined the US Navy, where he was aboard the USS Pyro AE-24, until he was honorably discharged in 1975. Following his discharge, he started his career as a manager at Norwich Shoe Company until the factory’s closure in 1991.

After the factory’s closure, David decided to pursue his associate’s degree in chemical dependency from Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, NY as a member of the class of 1993. After obtaining his degree, he started Barrows Painting in 1995, until he officially retired in 2015.

Dave was an avid golfer, and spent winters in Florida golfing in retirement. He spent many days cracking jokes at Mountain Top Golf Course in Sherburne, where he even earned a hole-in-one on June 7, 2022. He also enjoyed trips to the ocean.

On July 13, 1974, David married Mary Jane Mirabito and together, they welcomed two children: Lisa Marie and Zachary David. He was always happy to be surrounded by friends and family as “the greatest blessing is the love of family, friends, and trust in a power greater than that of oneself and the faith that all is good and capable is obtainable.”

David is survived by his “lovely wife of 52 years” Mary Jane Barrows; his children, Lisa Mullin and Zachary Barrows; his grandchildren, Emma Rosie and Matthew “Mattman” David Mullin; his siblings, Peggy Phillips, Stephen Barrows, and Barbara Smith; and his best friend and cousin, Ward Barrows.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

There will be no formal services for David at this time. 

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.