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Barry Rackover Obituary
of Rochester Hills, Michigan, died on March 25, 2013. He was 66. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth, and his beloved daughters Fannie Margaret, 24, and Vivian Martha, 23.
A native of Philadelphia, "Rack" served as a Signalman, 2nd Class in the Navy during the Vietnam War ('62-66). He laid down roots and made lifelong friends in San Francisco and Los Angeles before the family moved to Rochester Hills in 1997.
An only child, Rack called more men his brother than a Capuchin Monk. Providing lighting and production support for rock concerts, car shows and sporting and other live events, he traveled extensively - amassing an arsenal of marvelous stories about people he met in China, Russia, Argentina, Brazil, Switzerland and elsewhere throughout Europe. He was a memorable character: an animated story teller, a self-taught gourmet cook, curious about everyone and everything. His warmth, wit, generosity and joie de vivre charmed virtually everyone he met.
He will be missed by his huge circle of friends and family from Philadelphia, headed by Michael and Ellen Tomkin and including cousins Susan, Colin and Beth; San Francisco, especially Leif, Rick and Freddie; Los Angeles, including the Carothers family; and most recently his cherished friends in the Fiddlers Creek community in Naples, Florida.
For those wishing to make a donation in his memory, we suggest Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Pennsylvania: http://www.bbbssepa.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Rackover
Joseph Luparello
July 17, 2017
Dear Elizabeth, Fannie and Vivian,
I am just finding out about Barry's passing. I am deeply saddened by this news passed on to me through various past LA friends. I feel awful that it has been 4 years since his passing and have not been able to offer my condolences. I hope this posting finds you.
Barry and I had some wild times together in LA. I look back at those times and a big smile comes across mu face followed by a laugh or 2. I am so sorry I lost touch with you guys. Please call me if you get this, I would love to talk to you.
Joseph Luparello
240-475-9152
bruce gross
July 3, 2013
Originally from philly..I go back 40 years...when rack was known as "THE KINGFISH"
while surfing on the net...when I discovered that "rack" had passed..I was..and still..am devastated....I write this message with tears in my eyes...and the heaviest of hearts. I have not seen rack..personally in many , many, moons..but I always asked friends and acquientnces...how he was doing...where he was...and what he was up to.
we were teenagers together...and even though time had passed...children were born...people would come and go.. but , No one whoever met "THE KINGFISH" could not be touched in some way. The mere mention of his name...even though we had not spoken personally in some 30 odd years....always brought "THE WIDEST SMILE" to my face.
Anyone who knew him as the kingfish...knows what I'm talking about.
Believe me when I say...from the bottom of heart....that I...30 years removed...am devastated by the news of barry's passing.
Have comfort in the knowledge that he touched the lives of so, so, many, with his quick wit, & handsome charm.
Although I do not know his family on a personal level...rest assure, that in his early years, just to call him my friend was an honor and a priveledge....
Imagine..I have not seen him for 30 years...yet ...I still cannot get over the news.
KINGFISH ...I love you ...rest in eternal peace ..you will never be forgotten
B. Gross
philadelphia To florida
June 19, 2013
Detroit Automotive Production Community
June 19, 2013
Barry gave countless opportunities to many people over the course of his career. He facilitated top-notch productions for all his clients and added levity to every show-site he visited. We were lucky to have known him. He is greatly missed.
Karen Angus
May 9, 2013
Barry was my housemate/ brother in the early 80's in Belmont, CA. I am proud to have known him. See you in a while Bar!
Peter\Kristin Norton
May 8, 2013
Elizabeth, we are saddened by the news on Barry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We enjoyed our times with you both during our time in Florida.
May 7, 2013
God Bless Barry Rackover... He brought life,laughter and true friendship to everyone he met...I met him at Taker's Cafe . aND i'M GLAD I DID.
Susan Schaefer
May 1, 2013
I, too, knew Rack from the wooly days of Taker's Cafe in Germantown. Always a gentleman. He seems so happy in the photos you posted. My healing thoughts sent to his dear family and friends. I know he will be missed and well remembered.
Frank Vacante
April 30, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of my friend. You will be missed but remembered by countless people.
My son wearing Rack's company tee.
Bernard Wilson
April 30, 2013
Breaks my heart to learn my good friend Rack is no longer with us. I have a heart full of stories about our exploits when we worked at Taker's Cafe and at electrical jobs in the late 70's and 80's. My condolences to the family.
Bernie Wilson- Germantown.
April 12, 2013
Elizabeth - Brian and I are so very saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts bend towards you and the girls..
Stan and Carol Wilson
April 10, 2013
As loving neighbors and solid friends of the Rackover family for a decade when they moved to MI, , we are stunned with the news of Barry's passing into a new life, and the remarkable memories of our times with Fannie, Vivian, Elizabeth, Lexi and all of the Carrothers family. We will deeply miss his commitment to joy and his love of his family and friends.....there are some who will miss him as a friend, but the Wilsons will miss him as family. Carol and Stan Wilson
Rebecca and Doug Green
April 7, 2013
Dear Betsy, Fannie and Vivian, Our hearts are breaking for you...much love, Rebecca, Doug, and Sara
Lisa Malec
April 4, 2013
Betsy, Vivian and Fanny - you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Lisa and Brett Malec
Barry and Vivian in Moscow outside Cafe Pushkin
April 4, 2013
Marci & Tim Rice
April 4, 2013
Elizabeth, Fannie & Vivian,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Barry. He was a great friend and always so full of life and laughter which is how we choose to remember him...a great friend who no matter what the circumstances was there for you. You are in our thoughts and prayers and are here for you. All our love.
Kelli Suchy
April 4, 2013
As a long time friend of Leif and Lynn Abrams, my heart goes out to all of those who loved Barry.
April 3, 2013
I only know you through Therese and I would just like to send you my love, thoughts and prayers. God bless you all. All of you and Barry are in my thoughts and prayers. Love and God's Peace, Colleen Beaton
Barry and Elizabeth Cayman Islands 4-17-2008
April 3, 2013
Corey Wayne
April 3, 2013
Dear Elizabeth & Family,
I never met Mr Rackover, but the love you all felt for him, as well as his larger than life charisma positively boomed from every word you ever put in print. It is clear he was a wonderful family man.
My sincerest condolences for your sad loss.
Barry and his daughter Fannie in San Francisco on her birthday
April 3, 2013
Hubbit Ducreux
April 3, 2013
Love and all my heart to you, Elizabeth, Fannie, and Vivian.
Bo Puffer
April 2, 2013
Elizabeth and girls, your father was a great man who had the largest heart of anyone I ever knew, he would give you the shirt off his back without any qualifications. Our hearts go out and Krissy and I are here for you. Life is very tough sometimes but rest assured that you have people around you who care.
In good times & difficult ones..we will miss you Barry..FOREVER in our prayers...and hearts!
Kris, Bo, Nick & Kelsy Puffer
April 2, 2013
Scott Blake
April 2, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss, Barry was like a father/ Best friend and the niced person I ever met! Will never forget how specil he was .Thoughts are with u and the girls...
Cheryl Crabtree
April 2, 2013
Dear Elizabeth-and your beloved daughters, and family, I will pray that you know how very much you're loved, and that God will bless, and comfort you. I can tell he was a great man, and I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. You are in my heart...and God's hands. Bless you, dear friend. I love you...
Aga Edwards
April 2, 2013
Dear Elizabeth & Family,
You and your family have been on my mind ever since the day I learned about Barry's death...He will be missed dearly.
You are in my prayers...
April 2, 2013
Dear Elizabeth,
We will dearly miss Barry and are so grateful we had the honor to know him.
You and the girls are in our thoughts and prayers...
The DiNardo family
April 2, 2013
Dearest Elizabeth,
My heart aches for you, I am so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters and family. love and hugs always, Anita
Judie Previti
April 2, 2013
Elizabeth, Fannie and Vivian.....my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. He was a great husband and a wonderful father. Also a very kind and generous man. He will truely be missed..... Lots of love to you all!
April 2, 2013
Barry Rackover, you were a great host and a genuinely funny guy. Thank you for delightful, now poignant memories of dinners and plays in New York (and Toronto). We miss you. Elizabeth, Fannie and Vivian - our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jeff and Dixie
Bud Price
April 2, 2013
Elizabeth
As are many, I am still in shock over Barry's passing. Not a minute has gone by that I haven't thought about him since I heard last Thursday. I am so so sorry for your loss. Know that you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. For Barry, I loved him and will miss him fiercely. All my very best.
Bud Price
April 1, 2013
Elizabeth and family...I am still in shock and think about Rack everyday..he was a friend that I will miss dearly
Fruity
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