Norfolk—Barry Kantor passed away on June 19, 2022.
He is predeceased by his parents, Irving and Jean Kantor, Taft and Dora Mirman, daughter Debbie Kantor Brooks, grandson Zachary Kantor, and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Stanley and Benita Mirman and Pearl Brooks.
A graduate of Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia School of Law, Barry served the Hampton Roads area for many years as a distinguished attorney. As well as being a founding member of the law firm of Christie, Kantor, Griffin & Smith, Barry was listed in the Best Lawyers of America for over 20 consecutive years, he was named 2009 Best Lawyer of America for Family Law in the Norfolk area and has been recognized as a Virginia Super Lawyer and a Virginia Legal Elite. He was a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and past president of the Virginia Chapter; a past president of the Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association; past chair of the Virginia State Bar criminal law section; a former member of the Virginia State Bar Board of Governors of the family law section; a former member of the board of directors of the National Center for Family Law; and a former member of the Second District Disciplinary Committee. He also formerly served as a Substitute Judge of the General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. His other accomplishments include serving as CLE lecturer for the Virginia State Bar; Virginia Trial Lawyers Association; State Bar course on Professionalism; and the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Barry was a proud Master and member of Masonic Lodge Norfolk No.1 and a member of Congregation Beth El.
Left to cherish Barry’s memory is his wife, Reatha Kantor, son David Kantor, grandchildren Bryan, Chad, Paige, Dori, Alec, and Jake, sister Brenda Bromley, brother-in-law Hymie Brooks, cousins Jody and Ina Jo Robin Meldon, Sandy and Carl Rothman, Judy and Ray Goldman, Steve and Angie Mirman, Jeri and Chris Johnson, and Mia and Phil Hanczaryk, adopted family Franchone and Wanda Dukes, and many loving nephews and nieces.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The service was livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/hdoliverfuneralapts. Memorial donations may be made in Barry’s name to a charity of choice.