Barry Jerome Draluck

Barry Jerome Draluck, age 90, of Highland Park, Illinois, was the beloved husband of the late Phyllis for 64 years and wonderful father of Dr. Jeffrey (Suzie) Draluck and the late Clifford Draluck. He was the adored grandfather (Papa) of Sophie and Jake Draluck, middle brother of the late Dr. Morton and late Michael Draluck, cherished uncle of Andrew Draluck, and son of Muriel and Abraham (Al) Draluck of New York.

Barry grew up in the Bronx. Although he raised his own family in West Orange, NJ where he lived for over thirty years, and he retired to Boynton Beach, Florida where he resided for over two decades, Barry's "tough guy" persona honed on the streets of the Bronx during his childhood never left him. He carried that grit, determination, street savvy, and 'hood humor into all aspects of his life, including into his assisted living place in Highland Park. There, it was not uncommon to see Barry befriend a staffer and then take him aside with little bribe and a, "hey pal, can ya go out and get me a pack of cigarettes?"

In 1953, Barry left the Bronx to attend the University of Miami-a move that completely changed his perspective. In addition to earning his degree in 1957, Barry's eyes were opened to a world outside the Bronx that he could previously only have dreamed about including night clubs, sports cars, and weekend jaunts to Cuba. The friends that he met there, both in his AEPi fraternity and beyond, remained his close friends and brothers for life.

After college, Barry proudly served six years in the United States Air Force. While on active Reserves, Barry moved back to the Bronx to begin his career. Synthesizing all of his charm, grit, street smarts and big personality, Barry built a successful sales career in the garment center of NYC. Outside of work, Barry loved riding motorcycles, driving his Corvette, and he treasured family ski trips, especially to Vail. Whatever he was doing, Barry comically enjoyed mixing in a little vice, and even at 90, he would ask his aide almost daily for either a vodka on the rocks, a cigarette, or a joint, or some combination of the three.

Beyond his adventurous spirit, Barry was a devoted caretaker. He was especially dedicated to helping his son, Clifford, battle liver disease, and lovingly did everything he could to improve and extend Cliff's quality of life. Barry deeply loved his gorgeous wife Phyllis, and was intensely proud of Jeffrey and his two grandchildren, Sophie and Jake, and all of their accomplishments. Although Barry was sad to leave his independent life in Florida behind, he moved to Highland Park in 2021 to be close to Jeffrey and his family. Jeff has said that having the opportunity to care for his parents over the last six years was the best gift that they could have ever given him.

Barry's funeral will be held privately in Boynton Beach, Florida, on March 1, 2026, where he will be reunited and laid to rest beside his beloved Phyllis, whom he said goodbye to a year ago, and his dear son Clifford whom he has been missing since 2013. In recognition of his six years of military service, he will be buried with military honors, including an honor guard detail.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cycle Forward, the nonprofit organization founded by Barry's granddaughter, Sophie Draluck, which empowers women and teens by providing access to sanitary products for those who struggle to afford them. Donations can be sent to Cycle Forward, 1328 Lincoln Avenue South, Highland Park, IL 60035, or made online at https://cycleforwardnow.org/how-to-help by clicking the yellow "Donate" button. Alternatively, Barry was very concerned about the rise in antisemitism, so a donation to StandWithUs, which supports Israel and combats antisemitism on college campuses would be meaningful as well: https://standwithus.com/donate/, or donate to any other organization with a similar mission.