A Special Tribute by Rick Alampi – Former NJVMA Executive Director and Legislative Liaison
I was fortunate to know Barry for almost 40 years and treasured his friendship.
Barry was a true Renaissance man, who became successful at whatever endeavor he pursued.
First and foremost was his excellence as a veterinarian. He was a superb surgeon and had a vast knowledge of avian and exotic medicine. He was a resource for many veterinarians and provided them with advice and counsel on a wide scope of practice issues. His Woodbridge Veterinary Group is recognized as one of the top general practices in NJ.
Barry was a remarkable volunteer and was tireless in his commitment to advance and promote the profession. He served on the boards of the NJVMA and ACVC, and also as president of those groups. I can vouch that whenever a difficult or complex issue arose, Barry was inevitably who the board turned to for a solution.
As NJVMA president, he established member roundtables, providing members an opportunity to discuss topics of import with NJVMA leadership, resulting in development of policy that was aligned with members’ positions.
While serving as chair of the NJVMA legislative committee, his astute understanding of complex legislative issues protected the profession from onerous legislative policy and promoted the profession’s value to the welfare of New Jerseyans and their animals.
The Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference was the first regional veterinary conference in the country. Before its creation, there were only local, state or federal CE conferences. As such, it was hit or miss if it would be successful. Barry stepped up as the CE coordinator for the first five years, lining up the program and speakers. Without his outstanding CE programs the ACVC would never have become the success it became.
Barry served on the SBVME for many years, including service as president. His approach resulted in common sense regulations that protected consumers’ interest, while allowing veterinarians to practice in an environment conducive to a high level of medicine.
Did I mention he was a renaissance man? In addition to his veterinary practice and service he was an aviator, holding a class a pilot’s license, a sailor who loved sailing his sailboat, a pottery maker who also taught pottery classes, a certified scuba instructor and a master chef. Amazing list of skills and accomplishments.
But beyond that, Barry was a wonderful human being. Warm, compassionate, great sense of humor, truly loved animals, generous, great family man- these are just some of his traits that made him one of the real good ones.Barry, I loved you and you will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved you. Goodbye, old friend.
