Barry Benjamin

Barry Benjamin age 72 of Cuyahoga Falls passed away Wednesday, December 7th 2022. Barry was born on July 27th 1950 to the late Bernard and Sherrie Benjamin. He grew up in the Cleveland Heights/University Heights area. Barry was proud of his family and their accomplishments. His father and Uncle Paul owned Wade Drug on Euclid and Mayfield near University Circle. His maternal grandfather owned the Flat Iron Cafe in the Flats for many years.

Barry loved sports. He played baseball when he was young. In college, at Carnegie Mellon where he obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees, he was the star quarterback on his fraternity intramural team. Upon graduation, he continued playing touch and flag football for the next thirty years, earning numerous trophies and awards. Thanksgiving was always spent in a city hosting a tournament such as Columbus, Buffalo or Chicago.

Barry also excelled at softball playing for a number of top teams in the Cleveland/Lake County area including time playing for the professional traveling softball team the Cleveland Jaybirds. He particularly enjoyed traveling to St. George, Utah every October to play in the Huntsman Senior Games. Barry continued to play softball up until Wednesday, December 7th when he collapsed after hitting practice.

Barry loved football, softball and his family. He is survived by his wife Karen, his biggest fan and partner for 35 years; his son Brett of Hudson with whom he shared his love of sports and visiting breweries, Brett’s wife Courtney, his daughter Anna-Marie (2.5) and daughter Scarlett (5 weeks); his daughter Alyssa of Hudson who shared his playful sense of humor, Alyssa’s husband Ben Anderson, and their children Penelope (5), Levi (4), and James (10 months). Barry’s grandchildren adored their “Grumpy”. Barry is also survived by his brother Jack and wife Michelle of Grove City and their children and grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life gathering on Sunday, December 11th from 4:30-6:30 pm at the Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St.

The funeral service will be private.