Barry Francis Helfand

A native Californian who grew up in San Pedro, Barry had relocated with his wife Terri to Solon, Ohio in 2024 to be closer to their family. He served in the US Army in Germany and Colorado and attended California State University, Los Angeles receiving his BA and master’s degrees in History. More importantly, he met the love of his life, Terri, there and were together for 57 years.

Barry was an accountant and Chief Financial Officer of a hospital before retiring. He was an expert genealogist and wrote a book about his family’s immigration to Canada and the United States and was the chief “family reunion” organizer. Barry was deeply involved in Jewish Genealogical organizations, and was Treasurer of Temple Beth Israel Foundation and 30 + year member of the Havurah Nifcheret in Pomona, CA.

Despite being a devout lifelong fan of the LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, UCLA Bruins basketball and USC Trojans football teams, Barry quickly became enamored with the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers since moving to the Cleveland area.

Most importantly, Barry was a truly kind/good man with a great sense of humor.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Terri, and daughter Sharon (Andre) Mitchell as well as his two granddaughters, Hannah and Rebecca, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Private graveside services will be held at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Solon, Ohio.

Contributions may be made in memory of Barry Helfand to the Jewish Genealogy Society of Cleveland (www.jgscleveland.org/donate).

Arrangements were made under the direction of Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel.