Bernard James Mussill

Bernard J. Mussill, age 93, died peacefully on January 27th at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Detroit. Barney was born on October 1, 1919 in Bower Hill, PA; the son of Anthony and Theresa Mussill. He grew up in River Rouge and graduated Our Lady of Lourdes High School where he was a standout, left-handed baseball pitcher. While he was in high school, he threw bull pen practice for the Detroit Tigers. He went to college at Bowling Green University where he played baseball from 1937 to 1940 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Barney served his country during World War II in the United States Army from 1942 to 1943, attaining the rank of Sergeant, and played ball during those years as well. He was drafted by the great Connie Mack to play ball in the minors and major leagues. Barney played for AA and AAA minor league teams and farm clubs for the New York Yankees. In the 1944 season, he pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies major league team. Barney was inducted into Cooperstown Hall of Fame for an article he had written in 1989; "The Evolution of the Baseball Bat." After his professional baseball career, Barney was the owner of Mussill Sporting Goods in River Rouge for 50 years. He shared his life though his baseball experiences and everyone enjoyed listening and learning from him. He was a supporter of high school sports at Grosse Pointe North High School and through the Harper Woods Little League. Barney had a deep love his wife, daughters, granddaughter and great-grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. He was also fond of animals, especially dogs. Every family dog received royal treatment, going for car rides down Lakeshore Drive at least twice a week! He also enjoyed traveling and skiing with his family and friends. Barney will forever be remembered in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Emma; their two daughters, Patricia Graham (Joseph) and Bernadette Mussill; granddaughter, Jennifer Nadeau (Glenn) and two great-grandchildren, Kyle and Mackenzie. Mr. Mussill's funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 30 at Noon at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave., at Vernier Rd., Grosse Pointe Woods. His family will receive guests at 11:00 am.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236