Schenectady, NY — Barry Kramer, a standout in both college basketball and his later legal career, was not only a local legend on the courts but also a revered figure in the hallways of justice. The Schenectady native, who passed recently, leaves behind a legacy that touches various spectrums of community life, illustrating a life lived fully in public service and athletics.
Born and raised in Schenectady and a 1960 graduate of Linton High School, Kramer caught the eye of many from an early age. His basketball prowess was evident as he became a Parade All-American in high school. His skills on the court led him to New York University, a competitive force in college basketball during his tenure, where he further excelled, becoming a consensus first-team All-American as a junior.
Kramer’s athletic talents were recognized nationally when the San Francisco Warriors picked him sixth overall in the 1964 NBA draft. He played a season in the NBA with teams including the Warriors and the New York Knicks during the 1964-65 season, followed by a stint with the New York Nets in the American Basketball Association.
Beyond professional sports, Kramer also contributed locally, playing for the Schaefer Brewers, a semi-pro team based in his hometown during the 1960s and ’70s. His impact was profoundly felt by local youths who looked up to him, including Basketball Hall of Famer Pat Riley, who was a freshman at Linton when Kramer was a senior.
After his basketball career, Kramer pursued legal studies, graduating from Albany Law School in 1968. His commitment to law was as fervent as his dedication to sports. Appointed to a Surrogate Court judgeship in Schenectady by Gov. Mario Cuomo in 1993, Kramer later served as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, continuing even past the mandatory retirement age because of his passion for the legal profession.
Local remembrances highlight Kramer as not just an athlete but a mentor and friend. “Barry Kramer was the greatest player in the history of Schenectady,” Pat Riley recounted, emphasizing Kramer’s influence on his life both on and off the court.
Kramer’s legal prowess was equally respected. “I had the good fortune to play with him, and what a pleasure that was, to watch him play,” said Don Blaha, a former teammate from NYU. Blaha also recalled Kramer’s dedication in the courtroom, noting his continued zeal for law well into his 70s.
Barry Kramer’s death marks not just the loss of a revered athlete and judge but the passing of a beloved community pillar. His legacy continues in the halls of the Capital District Basketball Hall of Fame, Schenectady City School District Athletic Hall of Fame, the NYU Athletic Hall of Fame, and the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, ensuring his story will inspire future generations.
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