Robert Emmett Barron
Robert Emmett "Bob" Barron of Raleigh, NC, passed away on May 2, 2023, in Raleigh, NC, with his wife Ellen by his side.
Bob was born in 1942 in Norfolk, MA, and lived his early years in Dorchester, MA, before moving to Hollis Queens and eventually to Stewart Manor on Long Island, New York.
Bob graduated from Chaminade High School in 1959 and was in the class of 1963 at St. John’s University. He had a successful career in the fashion industry, working as an Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing with major names such as Diane Von Furstenberg and Nina Ricci in Manhattan. A man of many talents and interests, he went on to become a licensed clinical supervisor and therapist in the psychiatric field at Gracie Square Hospital, also in Manhattan. In 2000, Ellen (Barron, nee Surat, his wife) introduced him to the director of the film ‘A Beautiful Mind’, which prompted an encouraged a curious Bob to attend an open casting call. Bob was cast and thus began his study of acting, performed in several TV, movie, and theatre productions, and ultimately became a member of SAG-AFTRA.
During the Vietnam era, he served as a cook in the US Army Reserves, a passion he kept throughout his life. Bob was an avid fan of sports, especially the New York Giants and Knicks. He also had a great love for music, particularly jazz, and possessed an incredible ability to recall the details of music composition, history, and inspiration for a wide span of artists. Later in life, Bob also took up running and completed 3 New York Marathons.
He was a beloved member of the Unity of Church of Raleigh congregation, where Ellen is the minister. Bob was an active participant in the AV and outreach teams. He truly lived life to the fullest, with a great sense of humor, always making those around him feel known and understood. Bob is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ellen; his daughters Maureen (Stephen); Patty (Chris); son Robert (Kate); and grandchildren Danielle, Peter (Coralie), Stephen, Chloe, Caroline, Henry, Lilly, and Andrew. Robert was preceded in death by his Stepson, Christiaan Surat, his parents, and his brother.
A celebration of life will be held at Unity Church of Raleigh on Saturday, June 17th, at 12:00 pm. This will be live-streamed on the church's website, unitychurchofraleigh.com. To honor him, the family requests that instead of flowers, charitable contributions be made in Bob's memory to Unity Church of Raleigh, located at 5124 Departure Dr. STE 108, Raleigh, NC 27616.