
Born on August 1, 1939, in The Bronx, New York, to Max Goldberg of Alabama and Bessie Landsberg (Betty Goldberg) of Vienna, Austria, Barry's warm personality and ability to connect with others were evident from an early age. He spent his formative years in Great Neck, Long Island, where he attended Great Neck North High School before earning his BA from Bucknell University in 1961 and his JD from New York University Law School in 1964.
Barry's diverse career reflected his entrepreneurial spirit and love for the entertainment industry. As an entertainment lawyer from 1964 to 1973, he specialized in negotiating recording contracts for musicians, working first in New York and then Los Angeles. In 1973, he joined forces with Jerry Weintraub, leading to his transition into film production. His producing credits included the prescient 1977 thriller "Red Alert," starring Roy Scheider and William Devane, which explored nuclear dangers a year before "The China Syndrome" brought the topic to mainstream attention. In 1983, Barry reinvented himself once again, becoming a highly respected legal recruiter specializing in law firm mergers and partner placements.
A true "people person," Barry had an extraordinary gift for making anyone feel comfortable in his presence, engaging them in conversations that could last for hours. His handsome features and charm were matched by his generosity and strong sense of right and wrong. He remained actively involved in Jewish causes, including work with the United Jewish Fund, where he participated in phone banking campaigns with his children.
Barry loved skiing and tennis, and he particularly enjoyed working out on a stationary bike – especially if it involved schmoozing. A voracious reader, he stayed well-informed about world events and was never shy about sharing his informed opinions on current affairs. But his biggest pastime was undeniably food – Barry never met a dessert he didn't like, especially if it involved chocolate.
He is survived by his children, Lauren McCluskey (married to Tom McCluskey) and Keith Goldberg (married to Annastasia Goldberg), and his three beloved granddaughters, Finley, Lia, and Maxime, who brought immense joy to his life. His East Coast Goldberg family (beloved brother Howard, his wife Joan, and Jonathan, Andrew and Elyssa) will miss him dearly. His ex-wife, Barbara Goldberg, was a bastion of support to the end, despite their separation. Barry also shared many happy years with his second wife, Deanna Gerber, who recently passed away. Her sons, Ron and Scott Gerber, continue to cherish their memories of wonderful times shared with Barry.
While Barry faced the challenges of early-onset dementia in his later years, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the vibrant spirit he brought to everything he did. His ability to bring people together, his professional achievements, and his dedication to family and community truly left the world a better place. The family would like to express particular gratitude to Barry's two primary caregivers, Elayne Stafford and Monica Servin, who helped enrich his life during his declining years.
A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on January 27th at Eden Memorial Park in Mission Hills, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in Barry's memory.
Livestream Link: https://GromanEdenMortuary.livecontrol.tv/3efcb63b
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