Anthony "Tony" Joseph Barski Jr.
March 7, 1946 ~ June 4, 2026
Born in:
Cleveland, OH
Resided in:
Unionville, OH
Anthony “Tony” Joseph Barski, Jr., 80, of Unionville, OH passed away on June 4, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on March 7, 1946, in Cleveland.
“Long story short”… He graduated from Mentor High School in 1964 where he was an accomplished athlete in football, wrestling, baseball and track. During his senior year, Tony met his beloved wife Donna, of 58 years as he walked to study hall, marrying her on September 9th, 1967. He graduated with his Bachelors in Education from Kent State University in 1969.
Tony taught and coached wrestling at Harvey High School before moving on to teach at Auburn Career Center from which he later retired.
Tony and Donna bought and restored a beautiful Heritage Home in historic Unionville where they raised their four beautiful daughters and eventually many grandchildren. His home was his sanctuary, where everyone grew up together. Sitting in the gardens, swimming in the pool and even shooting a game of pool beyond his secret bookcase.
As a natural jack of all trades, Tony ran his own general contracting business, K & B Roofing and Painting, for many years.
He was an avid classic car collector and restorer. In the early 90’s Tony and Donna bought and restored another historic building in Unionville, The Green Door Antiques and Red Button. Here you are always sure to find good conversation and a treasure while having a coke and a smile.
Tony’s hands built, repaired, and restored, but his heart is what truly shaped the world around him. His legacy is one of love, resilience, and the quiet magic of a life well lived. So with his passing, it’s safe to use one of his other favorite expressions, “This is crap on wood.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna (Broadwater) Barski, sister, Louise Aikey, daughters; Susan (Jim) Barski, Halle (Wilbert) Snyder, Jessica (Casey) Piert, and Elizabeth (Daniel) DeRubertis, grandchildren; Attila, Ashley, Casey, Abigail, Alexander, Sarah, Phoenix, Isabella, Anthony, and Spencer, and great-grandchildren; Silas, Marie, Jack, and Casey.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Irene and Anthony J. Barski Sr., and sisters; Margret Myers and Christine Barski.
A Graveside Service will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Alexander Harper Memorial Cemetery in Unionville, Ohio. (On the corner of County Line Road and State Route 84.) The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Graveside Service: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 11:00 am
Alexander Harper Memorial Cemetery
Rt. 84 and County Line Road
Unionville, OH 44088
440-428-4401
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I worked with Tony for over 25 years at Auburn.
He always was willing to go the extra mile for his students and help molding their futures .
Rip lamp guy
I was deeply saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. He was a great neighbor, a dedicated coworker of mine for 25 years, and just an overall good guy.
For a quarter of a century, Tony and I met for breakfast every single morning before school. I always admired his mechanical skills and his incredible creativity. Tony never let anything detour his imagination. He was the kind of guy who would have a project completely built—whether it was a gazebo, a swimming pool, secret rooms, or his basement bar—while the rest of us were still sitting around trying to figure out the logistics. He truly could do anything.
He was a brilliant mind and a great friend, and I’m going to miss him. My thoughts are with his family.
— Bob Gardner