Barry Allan Katz

Barry Allan Katz 3-16-44 1-3-25

Beloved husband of Belinda Novik, devoted father of Noah Novik Katz, 50 year friend of Paul Gabrielson, good neighbor, and mentor. Barry died quietly at home from a long illness with a rare spinal infection. He will be missed by all for his intelligence, willingness to help, dedication to his family and principles, and basic decency.

He was born in Bronx, NY and was raised by his mother Bertha Gensler and step-father Dave Moses. Barry moved to NC in 1970 to pursue graduate studies in microbiology at UNC-CH, had wild adventures in Germany and the Amazon rainforest gathering rare and unusual fungi and from there built a unique business, Mycosearch. He had fungal collections from all over the globe which he gently encouraged to produce their chemicals and deliver them to pharmaceutical companies for drug discovery. When his son Noah was born, a nursery was added to the lab so he could share in the raising of his son.

He loved being a husband and father which brought him deep satisfaction, contentment, and purpose. Barry delighted in Emily, whom Noah met in California 7 years ago and married at home on Jan. 2, so his dad could be present.

Though he traveled much early in life, his mantra later became, ‘if it isn’t better than home, why bother? He loved tending to his garden, raking leaves, walking 6 miles in the neighborhood every day and chatting with neighbors along the way, doing all manner of physical work, and exercising daily. He shared his love of European football with his dear friend David in Chapel Hill, Hernan in Argentina, and Niki in Germany. He loved the exchange students and their families that were a permanent part of his heart though their year-long stay was too brief. Sonia from France, Niki from Germany, and Shai from Argentina.

The family would like to thank Barry’s physicians who were available, kind, and knowledgeable and his aide Lemmy whose quiet steady presence, keen observations, intelligence, and gentle strength made it possible to care for Barry at home.

Donations in Barry’s memory can be made to:

Porch https://chapelhill.porchcommunities.org/donate

Orange County Social Services https://www.orangecountync.gov/1716/Donation-Options  

A graveside service will be held Tuesday January 7, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Judea Reform Congregation Cemetery at 2560 Jones Ferry Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. A complete obituary to follow.