Barry J. Greenberg, M.D. 80, passed away April 1, 2022 at home. Born on December 6, 1941 in Cincinnati, OH the third of four boys, he attended University of Cincinnati for undergraduate and medical school. He served as a Major in the Air Force.
An accomplished orthopedic surgeon, Barry specialized in spine surgery and rehabilitation of chronic debilitated stroke. He served as Chief of Staff at Akron City Hospital, where he founded the rehabilitation unit and was one of the cofounders of the Crystal Clinic. He was an Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopedics at NEOCOM. Barry published numerous orthopedic papers and presented at hundreds of medical conferences.
Barry was an avid golfer, fisherman and poker player. He also enjoyed traveling with his family and his “HoBoDoBa” golf buddies.
Barry is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Laurel; daughters, Diana (fiancé, Michael Zubal); and Shelly. He is also survived by his brother, Mark (Roni), of Medina.
Barry’s care for others and passion to teach led him to cofound Bonyo’s Kenya Mission, which provides health care, education, resources and hope for the impoverished people of Wanjaya Village of western Kenya. Traveling to Kenya multiple times a year, Barry lanced abscesses, pulled teeth, delivered babies, treated burns and wounds while teaching third year medical students. ”The B. Greenberg Wing” of the clinic provides medical, obstetrical and pediatric care, plus there is an optometry unit where glasses are prescribed and provided. He was also an active board member of the Akron Zoo for more than 10 years.
A private family service took place at Rose Hill Burial Park honoring Barry J. Greenberg, M.D. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bonyo’s Kenya Mission (www.bonyoskenyamission.org) and Neighborhood Pets (neighborhoodpetscle.org).
Barry was one of our unfortunate classmates who was ignored, maybe maltreated, if not bullied. I knew him only from a distance, and to be perfectly honest, never made an effort to reach out to him.
His recent posts on our web, especially comments after the death of Ivan Shapiro were painfully honest. But, whatever social difficulties he had in high school were overcome. He clearly made a major contribution to the health and wellbeing of others. RIP Barry.
BJ (as we called Barry at Woodward), and I had a deal for Chemistry class. He would do the lab work, at which I was awful, and he was quite skilled. I would do the write ups. Together we aced the course.
As Sherman said, Barry "Jay" was not in the "in group". In todays time would be considered bullied. Jay was a good person. It's a shame that young people treat others rude just because they are deemed different. If you knew Jay you would have really liked him. Hey, he grew up and became a Great Doctor who will be truly missed. I am happy to have called him my friend in school. Prayers and blessings for his family. Your friend, Don Bowen.
Sherman M. Kaplan
Barry was one of our unfortunate classmates who was ignored, maybe maltreated, if not bullied. I knew him only from a distance, and to be perfectly honest, never made an effort to reach out to him.
His recent posts on our web, especially comments after the death of Ivan Shapiro were painfully honest. But, whatever social difficulties he had in high school were overcome. He clearly made a major contribution to the health and wellbeing of others. RIP Barry.
Sherm
Henry Gertzman
My parents and Barry's parents were close friends and I believe they were mutual godparents
to us and our siblings.
I have many fornd memories of Barry and I growing up together.
After we graduated from high school we went our separate ways.
Barry went on to an acclaimed career as a physician and he supported medical efforts in Africa.
I wish his family the very best.
Henry Gertzman
Morris N. Simkin
BJ (as we called Barry at Woodward), and I had a deal for Chemistry class. He would do the lab work, at which I was awful, and he was quite skilled. I would do the write ups. Together we aced the course.
Steve Tellis
There is a photo of Barry on the Gordon Flury Funeral Home, Akron website. Steve TellisBruce L. Oliver
Damnation!!! Our "tribe" keeps numerically diminishing! Sigh!
Harvey J. Skurow
Dr Major doing jack knifes in the big pool. R.I,P. Barry
Donald Bowen
As Sherman said, Barry "Jay" was not in the "in group". In todays time would be considered bullied. Jay was a good person. It's a shame that young people treat others rude just because they are deemed different. If you knew Jay you would have really liked him. Hey, he grew up and became a Great Doctor who will be truly missed. I am happy to have called him my friend in school. Prayers and blessings for his family. Your friend, Don Bowen.