Barry Glucksman, 77

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Barry Zion Glucksman, born Nov. 1, 1942, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, passed away on June 2.  He had valiantly battled multiple sclerosis for 27 years without complaint, but complications from COVID-19 came on suddenly and took Barry too soon.

He was the son of the late David and Pearl (Bekelman). Barry moved from New Bedford to Providence at age 4, graduated from Hope High School in 1960, and from Providence College in 1964. 

At a Halloween dance, a mutual friend introduced him to a young girl from the Catskill Mountains in New York, who was studying at Bryant College. The two soon fell in love and Barry and Suzanne were happily married in 1966.  Barry worked in sales for Rhode Island’s long-vibrant jewelry industry, including at Klitzner’s, Felchweir, Sharon Industries and Cathedral Art Metal before finally retiring from Barry Glucksman and Associates, aka Amcraft, due to health issues. He enjoyed connecting people and products – even selling rings to waitresses during family trips to Florida and conjuring up business ideas in his so-called retirement.

He balanced the challenges of work with a busy home life. He and Suzanne raised three rambunctious boys: Rich, Dan and Andrew. He especially enjoyed family gatherings with his older sister Sylvia (deceased), whose children Arnold, Robert and Sharon jokingly called him “Uncle Barry” even though they were around the same age; and his brother Albert, whose children Anne, Mark, William and Michael will sadly miss their uncle’s smile and outgoing personality.

Barry enjoyed sailing on Narragansett Bay, and especially overnights in Newport Harbor and rafting-up with friends. He made road trips to the Catskills memorable – he took pride in tying luggage and skis to the roof rack, telling crazy cowboy stories, teaching his boys to read maps (pre-GPS days), challenging them with math questions and only once leaving their pet dog at a rest-stop (they did go back to save him). Barry loved to run, and his MS diagnosis didn’t stop him from exercising. He enjoyed swimming and even won gold in the Senior Olympics. Barry and Suzanne enjoyed traveling; they cruised the Caribbean, made a meaningful trip to Israel, and celebrated their 40th anniversary in Hawaii.

Barry leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years, Suzanne (Schwartz); and his cherished sons, treasured daughters-in-law and adored grandchildren: Richard and Priscilla, Hannah and Ella; Daniel and Jennifer, Eddie and Oz; and Andrew and Lucia, Ethan and Thayer. He was the beloved brother of his late sister Sylvia and late brother-in-law Joseph Feingold, and leaves behind his loving big-brother Albert and his wife Barbara, of Barrington; sister-in-law Beverly Paige (Monticello, New York); sister- and brother-in-law Mindy and Howard Schwartz (Coral Springs, FL); and many loving nieces and nephews.

His family is truly appreciative to all the caregivers, family and many friends – including those at the MS Dream Center – who shared in providing care and compassion throughout the years. Most recently, Barry lived at Steere House in Providence. His entire family is deeply grateful for the staff members’ warmth, sensitivity and attentive care.

Donations in his memory may be made to Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s "General Activities Fund," 100 Borden St., Providence, RI 02903, or the MS Dream Center, 155 Gansett Ave., Cranston, RI 02910