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Michael Barich Obituary
Barich
Michael Mathias Barich, teacher, school administrator, husband, brother, father, and grandfather died unexpectedly at home on Nov. 3, 2003.
"Mike" was a simple man who rose from the humblest of ori gins to influ ence the lives of his family, his students, and his friends. Born in Dvor' Un Yugoslavia in 1925, he im migrated to the United States at age 9. Overcoming language, cul ture and other obstacles, he achieved Unites States citizenship and defended his new country in World War II, earning a Purple Heart with an Oak leaf cluster in the process.
After the war, Mike put him self through college, ultimately earning a masters degree in education, while working two jobs, and beginning a family with the love of his life, Cecelia (Ceil) Eckerman, who he mar ried in 1946 on this return from the war. At the time of his death, he and Ceil had been married for 57 years.
Mike Barich's first love was his family. He is survived by his three daughters, Steph (Francis), Mickie (Johnston), and Becky (McGrady), and one son, Mark Barich. His children gave him six grandsons, Scott Fran cis, Chase and Cody Johnston, Matt, Tyler and Josh Barich; four granddaughters, Kelly (Francis) Wood, Brooke John ston, Megan and Emily McGra dy. His other immediate family survivors include his brother, John Barich; sons-in-law, Rick Francis, Chuck Johnston, and Chip McGrady; and daughter-in-law, Chris Barich, in addition to numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, and nieces and nephews in the United States, Canada, and Yugoslavia. Mike's second love was his chosen profession, teaching. Mike was a legend in the teaching profession, utilizing his love of history, and a passion he felt about the privilege of teaching young people. In his native Yugoslavia, teachers were among the most revered people in the community, but his real interest in teaching as a career came from the influence that his teachers in the United States had in helping him overcome both language and culture obstacles. He felt it both an honor and an obligation to educate young people, and he was dedicated to helping the students he taught as his teachers had helped him. To put it simply, as a teacher he was unforgettable. He was proud of the accomplishments of his former students, and kept track of many of them as their own careers blossomed. At the time of his retirement, he had moved into a series of administrative management roles in the Akron Public Schools.
The family will receive friends during calling hours at Dunn- Quigley-Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Rd., TONIGHT from 4 to 8 p.m. A memorial mass will be held on Friday morning at St. Hillary's Church, 2750 W. Market St. at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made in Mike's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 1815 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313.
Fairlawn, 330-253-8121
www.dqccfh.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Michael Barich
Sponsored by Mike's Family ([email protected]).
Jim Hrubik
May 29, 2019
Mr. Barich was my American History teacher at Perkins in 1959-60. His love for his country was evident through his teaching; we were all required to take the U.S. Citizenship Test to pass his class. He was a true Patriot.
Larry Weigle
March 28, 2005
It was just today that I heard of Mr. Barich's death. He was my history teacher at Perkins Junior High during the 1963-64 school year. By the end of that school year, all I wanted to be when I grew up was to be a History teacher just like him. He was knowledgable, understanding, caring, funny, and kind. Mr. Barich helped shape the course of my life and for that I am grateful.
Sharon Nelson Leone
December 4, 2003
The other day someone asked me who my favorite teacher was? I said, "Mr. Michael Barich." I read the Akron Beacon Journal from Cincinnati and I was very unhappy to see his name. I learned so much from him in the early 60's. I'm sure he is on God's right side.
Mick & Tina Vukovic
November 18, 2003
We are shocked & saddened to here of the passing of "Uncle Mike".
I remember driving him to the airport the morning after my uncle Ivan’s funeral in August of 1994, probably around 5 am. We got up extra early so that we could go out and have breakfast. For some reason, we could not find any restaurants that were open, except for one, aptly named, The Grease Pit.
We were the only two in the place. And the food was greasy.
We both laughed as he made me promise not to tell his wife how much grease he had just consumed. (Sorry uncle Mike)
It was an honor & a privilege to know you uncle Mike, we will miss you.
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to aunt Ceil, and his family.
From the Vukovic Family
Josephine Cvitanovic
November 18, 2003
Michael Barich was know to us as Mijo. My first contact with him was reading the letters he wrote to my mother (who was his cousin) more than 35 years ago. Although I only met him in person about 10 years ago, I felt as though I had known him my whole life. He displayed that great sense of humour which I have discovered is a family trait among all of us.
Holly Bognar
November 11, 2003
I am proud to have known Mike both as a teacher and as a friend. The love he demonstrated for both his family and his students is a testament to his beautiful spirit and a life well-lived. He will be missed by many but also remembered fondly and with deep admiration for what the impact of one person can be on the lives of so many.
Archie Malinovic
November 7, 2003
We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Mikes death. We will always remember his smile and sense of humor. He was my countryman. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to Ceil and the family. We share in your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Archie, Maria and family
Margie (Bauman) Gulmi
November 7, 2003
My husband, Bob, and I both knew Mr. Barich from Perkins Junior High. He was loved and respected by everyone. Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to all of Mr. Barich's family. He was a great man and his memories will live forever.
Jim and Carol Goodroe
November 7, 2003
We were so sorry to hear about Mike. We always enjoyed our get togethers every winter at Cloverdale and what great humor he added to every day events.
Our deepest sympathy...
Linda Lane Mahan
November 6, 2003
How saddened I am to learn of the death of my favorite teacher and shoe salesman. Mr. Barich was my 8th grade science teacher at Simon Perkins, '56-'57. I can still picture him in my mind and hear his rich voice as though it were yesterday. My heartfelt sympathy is extended to you, his family, whom he loved so much.
Jean Doyle
November 6, 2003
Mike was a good person, husband father and teacher who taught what he lived to both his family and his students. We can be proud to have known him and to know how he influenced all our lives. He is gone in peace, but will be missed by all of us.
Jean Doyle
Chicago, IL
Firestone HS 1971
Julie Mc
November 6, 2003
Mike was my first assistant principal at Goodrich Middle School. He was a great help with the students.I also knew him when he worked at Lucky shoes.
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. I consider myself lucky to have known Mike.
Mark Hagen
November 6, 2003
Mr. Barich was a fine Educator and an example to be emulated by anyone as to how a person is to treat they're fellow man.
No words of sympathy can ease your loss,however it is my sincere hope, that you find comfort knowing your loved one had a powerful impact on so many lives and all were enriched in some fashion.
May you find peace.
(Goodrich Jr. High '72-'75)
Linda (Correia) Stanec
November 6, 2003
I always thought of Mr. B as my part time father when I was a teenager and hung around with Steph all the times. I loved that,even the last time I saw him, he still referred to me as "Moo". Will always have fond memories of Steph and her family
Dunn-Quigley Ciriello & Carr Funeral Home
November 6, 2003
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Mike Jackson
November 5, 2003
Mr. Barich was my 8th grade Science/History teacher at Simon Perkins Jr. High School 1960/61. He was a great educator and a good friend. I will miss him, and my thoughts are with you all.
magdalene ivery
November 5, 2003
mr. barick was my schools assitant principal at goodrich jr. high. He will never be forgoten he made a big impact in life which I passed on to my children. My prayers are with the family. God Bless you all you have loss a special soul.
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