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Barry Grossman Obituary
Barry G. Grossman, 74, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at UPMC Hamot, surrounded by his loving family. The son of the late Irv and Ruth Grossman, Barry was a lifelong resident of Erie.
Barry went to Harding Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, Strong Vincent High School, and graduated from Cornell University in 1968. He received a Master's Degree from Gannon University, a J.D. Law Degree from Cleveland State University and an ABD Doctoral Program in History from Case Western Reserve.
A true renaissance man, Barry had a zest and passion for so many aspects of life. He served as a lawyer, professor, business executive, restauranteur, radio personality, talk show host, sportsman, community leader, world traveler, lecturer, and most recently, owner of Mi Scuzi Restaurant and Erie County Executive.
Barry was a City All Star in both football and baseball at Strong Vincent. His love of sports was enriched by his grandsons who he thoroughly enjoyed watching play baseball, basketball and football.
Barry is survived by his wife of 52 years and college sweetheart, Janet Grossman, his daughter, Rebecca Hower and son-inlaw, Dr. Robert Hower. He is also survived by his grandsons, Jackson and Jake Hower.
Barry loved his hometown of Erie with all his heart. He was blessed to have lifelong friends and he never lost faith as a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.
Barry was passionate about many things including food, history, travel, his many beloved dogs, and searching for ways to keep Erie thriving.
Due to National guidelines concerning the Coronavirus, immediate arrangements are private with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ANNA Shelter at www.theannashelter.com or Because You Care at www.becauseyoucare.org.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, PA 16502. To send condolences, visit www.orlandofuneralhome.com.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Grossman
Sponsored by John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc. - Erie.
Guy and Jan Conti
May 19, 2022
Even though we were no longer living in the same town, you will never be forgotten, dear friend. We miss you.
Robert Peterson
July 9, 2020
Recently returning to Erie, I learned from Dennis Tobin that Barry had passed away. I was shocked and saddened by the loss of the "kid" I had met at Roosevelt Junior High School. He was a kid who fully blossomed over the years, developing into a personal and community leader. Our encounters, probably like those experienced by so many in his life, always included good humor and worthy information and opinion, flavored by a real "feel" for those around him and a zest for life. He would say, "Don't skip dessert," and he lived by those words, maximizing his time here. As a condolence for his loved ones, his spirit and energy will certainly live on.
May 28, 2020
Janet,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. If you need anything please give me a call.
Judy Koehler
May 27, 2020
Expressing my deepest sympathies to the Grossman family. Mr. Grossman was my professor at Mercyhurst College. He taught me so very much. Noreen Fusco Powell 1975 Carpe Diem
Mary Atkinson-Smith
May 27, 2020
I send my sincerest condolences to the Grossman family. Barry was a nice person who I knew from SVHS through my brother, Dennis Atkinson. They both excelled in baseball. Barry was one of the first persons to express his condolences to me at Brugger when my brother passed away. At this difficult time, may your memories warm you and the God of tender mercies comfort you and a give you peace.
Kathy Maney Fox
May 26, 2020
Jan- I am so very sorry to hear of Barry's passing. It was so nice to see him and talk to him at our 50th Cornell reunion two years ago. He was the same Barry- so personable, funny, and kind. You were his perfect mate. He loved you from the first time he saw you! I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Love you- Kathy Maney Fox
Joyce Snell
May 26, 2020
Janet,
I was so sorry to hear about Barry. You two were one of the wonderful (and fun loving) Cornell couples.
It was so great seeing you at our Kappa reunion some years back and hearing about your life with Barry and learning about your talented daughter.
My condolences,
With love,
Joyce (Van Degna) Snell
Laurie Miller
May 26, 2020
Dear Janet and family,
We were all so saddened to hear of Barry's passing. You both were truly part of our family on 3 south outpatient. We will miss seeing both of you. We will miss Barry's humor and smile as he was coming down the hall. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, the girls from 3south
May 26, 2020
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I thought Mr. Grossman was a great Erie County Executive and was disappointed he wasn't elected to a second term.
Denee Breter
May 26, 2020
Dear Janet and family,
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Mr. Grossman. I was truly honored to have worked with him during his time as County Executive. I learned so much from him and admired his passion for the county. "Who's to say if I have changed for the better, but because I knew him, I have been changed for good". Rest in peace CE - the world is a little less bright without you in it. Sending all of you much love as you mourn this terrible loss. May your many memories give comfort during your sorrow.
Rick Sivillo
May 26, 2020
Dear Janet and Family
Saddened deeply to hear of Barry passing.There are so many beautiful memories I'll cherish. There will not be a more interesting man that I'll meet in my lifetime.My condolences to you and the family.
May 26, 2020
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. Janet and family I pray that you find comfort in your memories of Barry and that others are going to miss him. With deepest sympathy. Mary Ann Torok
George Dickey
May 26, 2020
Sorry to hear of your loss of a loved one. Barry was a wonderful, thoughtful and pleasant person to be around.
George and Linda
Marcus
May 25, 2020
In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences.
Diane Epstein
May 24, 2020
I'll miss Barry for the rest of my life. It's an honor to have been among his many friends.
May 24, 2020
Dear Janet,Rebecca and Family,
Barry was a very unique and gifted person,,he will be truly missed by all..We go back at lot of years...May his memory always be with you..
Marlene and Weston Radov
May 24, 2020
Dear Janet,Rebecca and family,
Barry was a very unique and talented person..Never a bad word about anyone..We go back a lot of years..may his memory be forever in your hearts.
Marlene and Westy Radov
Jeff and Doris Pinski
May 24, 2020
Dear Jan and Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of Barry's untimely passing. Barry was truly unique in so many ways. The community will miss him. We will miss him. You have our most sincere sympathy.
Ken and Irene Brasington
May 24, 2020
Dear Janet and Family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We so enjoyed spending time with you and Barry over the years, and will cherish so many fond memories that started with our coaching together at the Hurst. We will cherish these memories forever. It was always interesting and fun being in Barry's company. Barry was always the go to guy and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken and Irene
Sam Cianflocco
May 24, 2020
First, my talented student SVHS, then my friend. I, for one, will miss Barry very much. RIP. My sympathy to Janet and the Grossman family.
Mary Ellen Camp
May 24, 2020
Sending you my condolences for the loss of your dear husband. May the lifetime of treasured memories provide you with comfort.
Gary (Ziggy) Cleaver
May 24, 2020
Grossman Family, so sorry for your loss. He was a good person and will be missed.
Betsy Farrell-Rogers
May 24, 2020
Dear Janet.. thinking if you and your family during this difficult time. I have such great memories of growing up with Barry and our years as co- editors of the SV newspaper. I was there at Cornell (Spring Weekend..ZBT frat party) when you and Barry met! Know that I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Jim and Adrien Marnen
May 24, 2020
Dear Janet and family,
Jim and I send our condolences to you and your family. Barry was my friend and classmate from Elementary school to our 1964 graduation class at Strong Vincent and my husband Jim played on Vincent's baseball championship years with Barry as teammates he will be sadly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this trying time.
Jim and Adrien ( Luciano) Marnen
Rick Scalise
May 24, 2020
Janet, Becca, Rob & Boys,
Julie and I send our deepest sympathies to all of you. Losing Barry is a great loss to me and I write this with a heavy heart. To me Barry was my business partner at Rick & Barry, Forest Hills and 25 years later at MiScuzi but most of all he was my best friend of all those years. He taught me how to be a better person and enjoy life. Some of my fondest memories are going to Cleveland to watch the Indians play. He will be sadly missed. Go Tribe and Rest in Peace my friend.
Rick Scalise
May 24, 2020
Janet, Becca, Rob and boys,
Julie and I send our deepest sympathies to all of you. Losing Barry is a great loss to me and I write this with a very heavy heart. To me Barry was my business partner at Rick & barrys, Forest Hills and 25 years later at MiScuzi but most of all he was my best friend for all of those years. He taught me how to be a better person and enjoy life. Some of my fondest memories were going to Cleveland to watch the Indians play. He will be sadly missed. Go Tribe and Rest in Peace my friend.
May 24, 2020
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Barry's passing. He left us much too soon.
I always admired his intelligence, talent, and service to everyone in Erie. He was dedicated to his work and a devoted and loyal friend.
I will always remember the time Barry spoke at my father, Ralph
Calabrese's service in Erie several years ago.
We were SVHS 1964 classmates.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Susan Janette Calabrese Laguna Woods, California
Dr.Tom & Sandy McClain
May 24, 2020
Janet and Family
Sandy and I were so sadden to here of Barry's passing today.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. He so enjoyed his dogs.
May your memories get you through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom & Sandy McClain
Jim McCall
May 24, 2020
So very sorry for your loss!
May 23, 2020
There are no words to make it better, but there are the memories. They are there to make you laugh and cry and just remember. Barry will be missed by many. Hugs...Jack and Karen Greenberg
May 23, 2020
Janet and family, I was very sorry to hear of Barry's passing. I enjoyed many a Great conversation with him. I will miss his smile the most. Prayers to all of you at this time. Godspeed Barry. May you rest in peace. Sincerely, Donna McIntosh Erie PA
Michael & Barbie Grande
May 23, 2020
Dear Grossman Family,
Our deepest sympathies for you all.
Please know we are thinking of you during this time.
May 23, 2020
Dear Janet and the Grossman Family,
You have my and my wife, Betsy's, prayers and condolences as you mourn Barry's passing. He was a good man who was accomplished in so many areas. Your description of him as a "Renaissance Man" was appropriate. I had the opportunity of working with him during his days as county executive and I was always impressed with his intelligence, insight and commitment to the people of our county. I also had lunch with him from time-to-time and each one was interesting and enjoyable. I will miss him.
May God comfort you with the warm memories of the lives you shared with him.
Ernie DiSantis
Ziggy Cleaver
May 23, 2020
Grossman Family I am sorry for your loss.
Ziggy (Gary) Cleaver
May 23, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 23, 2020
Janet and Family, We are sorry for your loss. My brother worked for Barry (Rick & Barry's. I am sending our condolences. Ziggy Cleaver and Barbara Cleaver Dierickx
Jamie and Barbara Ferrare
May 23, 2020
Janet and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of Barry's passing. He was a terrific man, good friend and a true Erie ambassador. We played a lot of ball together over the years and he always had a smile and good story to share when we connected. He was admired by many and will be missed.
Mark Merritt
May 23, 2020
May you be blessed, so long my friend. GOOD BYE
Mark Merritt
May 23, 2020
May you be blessed
Eddie Fatica
May 23, 2020
Barry was a great guy, I remember him from high school and beyond. Always had a big smile for everyone. Rest in peace old friend. Eddie Fatica
Sam Cianflocco
May 23, 2020
First, my talented student SVHS then lifelong friend. Will miss the good time luncheons we had. You will indeed be missed by your legions of friends. My condolences to Janet and Grossman fanily. RIP
Guy and Jan Conti
May 23, 2020
Jan and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about Barry's passing.
He will be missed by all who knew him. He was
a special, unique man and a dear friend.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Guy and Jan
Sam Cianflocco
May 23, 2020
To my talented former student SVHS, and then my cherished friend, may you Rest inPeace. And to Janet and Grossman family heartfelt condolences.
Jon and Shelly Cacchione
May 23, 2020
Janet, Rebecca, Rob, and boys:
Barry was the most intelligent and interesting person I have had the pleasure to share conversation with in my life. I could listen to him talk for hours and never get bored. I don't believe I ever met someone that could explain his position on things better than Barry could. And it seemed that I always agreed with him. I will miss seeing him at Jackson's basketball games with all of you. You will be missed dearly my good friend, but be sure, you and your legacy will never be forgotten by those of us that had the pleasure to know you. My sincerest condolences to all of you. God Bless!
Fred Cacchione
May 23, 2020
Deepest sympathies to Janet and her family.
Without doubt, Barry was Erie's greatest Ambassador. He traveled all over the world but never loved anyplace more than Erie PA.
Lunch with the guys will never be as interesting or the same. We will miss you my friend.
Olino Portanova
May 23, 2020
I thank Barry for his friendship over the years and will keep him and his family in my prayers.
He was a good and thoughtful man.
Bill Cole
May 23, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Grossman family. My the Lord bless,keep and guide you during your time of bereavement. Bless the Grossman family.
Dennis Tobin
May 23, 2020
RIP my special friend. Watching football will never be the same. We had great times together.
Janice A. MacInnes
May 23, 2020
To Mrs.Grossman and Family,
My sincere and loving sympathy to you and the family. Barry was a unique individual and always
tried to the very best of his ability to get things done that he believed in.
He enjoyed a life well lived and now it can be said "well done my dear and faithful servant."
May God's peace, love, comfort and strength be with all of you now and always.
Jan Tirpak MacInnes
Class of 1964 of Strong Vincent
Gary Miles
May 23, 2020
Prayer
Mark Merritt
May 23, 2020
Good-Bye
May 23, 2020
To the Grossman Family,
I knew Barry through sports and had many conversations with him while I lived in Erie.
My deepest sympathy to the Family.
Bob Gloekler
Ormond Beach, FL.
Slovak National Club
May 23, 2020
Deepest Sympathies
Richard Dreyfus
May 23, 2020
Barry represented all that was good about living in Erie, Pennsylvania. Given his chance to govern, he was a devoted, passionate, and very skilled county executive. We were associated with Barry in many ways through the years and we were privileged to do so. He was a fine man and we will all miss him.
Richard and Janine Dreyfus
Vicki and Guy Santone
May 23, 2020
Dear Janet and Family, May God provide you the strength to move forward knowing that Barry has now been given the task to be your personal Angel and will watch over you and protect you. He lives in beautiful new home free of all things negative with our loved ones. God Bless.
Janice and Gene DeAngelis
May 23, 2020
Janet, Becca, Rob, Jackson and Jacob,
We all loved Barry and he represented everything that was great in life. Anyone who had the pleasure to know him, was given a gift. May time and memories help soothe your hearts❤
LOUIS BERARDUCCI
May 23, 2020
Janet, my deepest sympathy to you and your family
Lou Berarducci
May 23, 2020
Mrs. Grossman, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Myself, and Andrew, are thinking of you and your family during this hard time. Bobbie (Diemer) Langer- Williamson
Cheryl Baranski
May 23, 2020
JANET AND BECCA, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. ALWAYS A SMILE ON HIS FACE.
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