Barry Laine

LAINE Barry was a 1970 graduate of Rutgers State University, New Jersey, and graduated from the Cleveland State University, Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 1973, summa cum laude. He was licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio and was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third, Fourth, Sixth Circuits and Federal Circuit. In 1973, Barry started his law career at Green Haines Sgambati Co., L.P.A. and became a senior partner. His practice included, among other areas, the preparation and trial of many employment related and civil cases, as well as his participation in hundreds of appellate matters. Barry was a prolific researcher and writer at the Green Haines Sgambati law firm. The quality of his product was well respected by judges throughout the state. He was well liked by his colleagues and respected by fellow professionals. Barry’s hobbies included reading English mysteries and he even authored several mysteries, and had one book published, “Tales of Suffolk County.” He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good story. Barry could always be counted on to discuss the highs and lows of his favorite baseball team, the Detroit Tigers, who he followed with a passion to the extent that, when physically able, he would attend spring training practices in Florida. Barry enjoyed travel and, in particular, travel that would either combine his love of the country music–including the Grand Ole Opry, visiting Nashville, and enjoying Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Bill Anderson, Little Jimmy Dickens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, etc., or his interest in politics on cruises with various distinguished people including, William F. Buckley, a favorite. Barry was a conservative politically who spent years of his life working in a liberal law firm, yet, always engaged in the give and take of political discussions without recrimination. Due to Multiple Sclerosis, Barry retired in 2005. Although Barbara Reardon and Barry had been friends for many years, it was at this time that she became his full time care giver. Loretta Quinn and Attorney Jim Joseph, who attended law school with Barry, remained close friends until his death. Left to cherish him memory is Barry’s cousin, Howard Melnik and his family. Beside his parents, Barry was preceded in death by his sister, Robin Laine. Friends of Barry would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Austinwoods Nursing Home. A song that best describes Barry is Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Services will be held on December 5, 2016 at the Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Funeral Home, 1985 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118. Calling hours will be held at 11:00 a.m. and Rabbi Daniel Roberts will perform services 12:00 noon for Barry R. Laine who passed away peacefully at the Austinwood Nursing Home on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on October 14, 1948 to Frank and Adele Laine.