Attorney, businessman, professor and former Erie County Executive Barry Grossman died Thursday, according to his obituary released by his family. He was 74 and a lifelong resident of Erie.
To quote from his obituary, “A true renaissance man, Barry had a zest and passion for so many aspects of life. He served as a lawyer, professor, business executive, restauranteur, radio personality, talk show host, sportsman, community leader, world traveler, lecturer, and most recently, owner of Mi Scuzi Restaurant and Erie County Executive.”
He served as Erie County’s Chief Executive between 2010 and 2014. Current County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper released this statement:
“We mourn the passing of former Erie County Executive Barry Grossman and extend our deepest condolences to his family. He truly cared about this community. He was an entrepreneur, owning and operating several businesses in Erie County, and he was also a respected professor, attorney, lecturer and historian. We appreciate his many efforts as a community leader, including his initial efforts to try to get a community college established here in Erie County. Erie County has lost a great friend, leader and partner, but we will remember Barry fondly.”
Erie Mayor Joe Schember released this statement:
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Barry Grossman to his family, friends, and our community. Barry was a friend and we would often see each other at events. I know that Barry was well loved and respected. He had a big heart and great character. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember Barry. I would like to offer my most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends in these difficult times.”
Grossman is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janet Grossman, and his daughter Rebecca Hower, son-in-law Dr. Robert Hower, and their children Jackson and Jake Hower.
