Barry Stephen Kandel

Barry Stephen Kandel passed away peacefully in his home on Friday January the 27th 2023.

He was the widower of Mildred Bagasevich- Kandel, who passed away just 8 weeks prior on November the 29th 2022.

Born in Bronx, New York he was the son of Mina Bookless and Maurice Kandel. A 1964 graduate of Stanford High School, Mr. Kandel received a scholarship and continued his education with voracious determination, graduating with high honors from North Eastern University in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science and Industrial Engineering degrees. He later earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Farley Dickinson University in 1980.

Mr. Kandel began his career as an Industrial Engineer for Clairol in Stamford, Connecticut. He then embarked upon an illustrious tenure with M&M Mars in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

In 1983 his entrepreneurial spirit led him and his then wife Janet Willey Kandel to Moosic, Pennsylvania where they realized their dream of opening a state-of-the-art fitness center. Barry Kandel was the founder and president of Northeast Fitness Centers for over 20 years. Well-established in the greater Scranton area, Barry devoted himself to encouraging and inspiring countless members of the community to live a healthier lifestyle by embracing his slogan, "Body, Mind, Nutrition".

He is survived by his former wife Janet Willey; daughter Nicole Connolly and her husband Shannon Connolly; son Craig Kandel and wife Erica Newman; granddaughter Margot Flynn and grandson Max Kandel; sisters Georgette Kandel and Joyce Coiro; nephew Clifford Joseph and niece Lisa Joseph.

Barry will be missed by several other nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. In his final hours he was comforted by his faithful canine companion, Duke. A businessman, brother, friend, father, husband, scholar, and fitness enthusiast, Barry took great pride in serving as the patriarch of his family.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 4 pm to 6 pm at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit.