Barry Gilman

Barry Gilman, 73, of Swampscott and formerly of Carmel, NY, passed suddenly on Sunday at Mass General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Ruth (Riseberg) Gilman with whom he shared 50 years of marriage before his untimely passing.

Born in Winthrop, MA, he was a son of the late Philip and Edith (Michelson) Gilman.

Barry was a lifelong entrepreneur who built and grew many companies, often turning his hobbies into successful businesses. His incredible energy and work ethic were legendary. He had a real passion for jazz and his family has fond memories of Dad setting up his drum kit in the living room and wailing away on Sunday mornings. He had a passion for sailing and led a life of coaching and guiding his children from youth sports to their careers as men. There are people who enjoy gardening and then there was Barry who was on a lifetime mission of coloring his world in yellows, reds, oranges and pinks. The volume of roses, orchids, African violets and Clivia plants inside his home are only a fraction of the trees, vegetables and flowers he has planted in Virginia, New York and Massachusetts. His true love though was spending time with his family, making memories with his loving wife, sharing stories with his children and giggling at his grandkids. Barry brightened the lives of everyone he met.

The family would like to just remind everyone that the story Barry told you is probably real – we know, we know… yes, that really did happen exactly how he explained it to you.

In addition to his beloved wife Ruth, those left to cherish his memory are his sons Jonathan Gilman of Swampscott, Brian Gilman and his wife Amy of Stoneham, Scott Gilman and his wife Amy of Franklin and Randy Gilman Milano of New York, NY. He also leaves three adoring grandchildren, Jackson, Harrison and Belle Gilman.

Barry’s funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11am in Stanetsky Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin St., Salem. Burial will be in Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA. Shiva will be observed immediately following burial until 7pm at the family residence and again on Friday from 3-7pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215 or American Heart Association PO Box 3049 Syracuse, NY 13220