Obituary: William R. Barranger, ‘One of the Good Ones'
He joined the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) in 1968 and was an active member of the Delaware Valley Chapter in Philadelphia, where he served in various officer and board capacities. Over the years he was appointed to and served on many RSES International committees. “He was always willing to do whatever he could to be of service,” said Jeannie Birch, conference and seminar manager.
“Bill was a true road warrior and a professional gentleman,” she said.
He had been working as a consultant most recently. Before that he had worked for many years with Mestek Inc., and for Nesbitt in school market development.
One duty that was close to his heart, said Birch, was the Manufacturer’s Service Advisory Council (MSAC), of which he was the chairman for more than 35 years. He ran the MSAC “Ask the Experts” Panel at the RSES Annual Conference each year.
Mr. Barranger received the RSES Distinguished Member of the Year Award in 1998, and in 1999 he won the Herman Goldberg Award - presented to MSAC members who have accumulated a lifetime of outstanding achievements in advancing the HVACR profession through educational service and training; it later became MSAC Member of the Year Award (same criteria), which is now sponsored by the RSES Delaware Valley Chapter in memory of Sol Holtzin, CMS. There is already talk of it becoming the Bill Barranger, CM, Member of the Year Award.
“He was a good friend of RSES and our industry,” said NEWS columnist Joe Marchese. “He was one of the really, really good guys in the industry,” agreed Peter Powell, refrigeration editor for The NEWS.
Mr. Barranger was an avid hockey fan for his home team, the Philadelphia Flyers, said Birch. “At his wake there was a flower arrangement from the Philadelphia Flyers organization.”
Another interest of his was the Last Stop in Camden, N.J., where he helped feed hundreds of people. “Heaven has a new angel, and his name is Bill Barranger,” said Birch.
He was preceded in death by both parents. Services were held Jan. 4. Memorial donations may be made to Last Stop, Attn: Ed Zampitella, 315 S. 5th St., Camden, N.J. 08103.
Publication date: 01/31/2011
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