Barbara Hardgrave passed away peacefully Monday, February 18. 2019. Born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, on February 2, 1942, Barbara was blessed with a beautiful voice and a warm animated personality. She graduated from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and the New England Conservatory in Boston. Her entire career was spent at SUNY New Paltz, where her mission was to teach and mentor her students, encouraging them to reach their full potential.
She was an accomplished mezzo soprano, delighting audiences in the Hudson Valley, while at the same time holding leadership positions on the faculty as well as in the community of New Paltz. Among her many accomplishments were serving as the diction coach for the San Francisco Opera, performing at the Central City Opera Fort Collins in Colorado and Metropolitan Opera.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Ron Steinberg, who was also a member of the Faculty at SUNY New Paltz in the Department of Political Science and International Relations.
She is survived by her brother Doug Hardgrave; a niece Christa Cavan and nephew Sean Allen; great nephew Kai Cavan, great nieces Malia Cavan, Kori and Kateryn Allen and all of the many friends and students who loved and admired her.
Donations can be made in Barbara’s name to the SUNY New Paltz Foundation 1 Hawk Drive HAB501 New Paltz, NY 12561. Details regarding a celebration of life to be held at a future date will be announced in the New Paltz Community.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie, New York 12603. If you would like to send an online condolence, please visit our website at www.doylefuneralhome.com
Join the family! 
