Barry Greenwald

Barry Greenwald, 82, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2020 surrounded by his family. The son of Claire Veronick and Edward Greenwald, Barry was born in Newark and raised in Irvington, New Jersey. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. A clinical psychologist, Barry served as Associate Professor of Psychology at the Student Counseling Service at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he taught classes, saw patients, and was the Director of Clinical Training, mentoring scores of young psychologists over his career. As founder and Director of the In Touch Hotline, he taught generations of undergraduates the values of being present and compassionate for those in crisis. A popular teacher on campus, Barry was three times voted the winner of the Silver Circle Award by his students. Off-campus, he launched Convening, a national conference for crisis intervention personnel, and nurtured the organization to support and train a generation of crisis providers. After retirement from the UIC, Barry continued to see patients in private practice, mentor fellow clinicians, and to teach at the University which he loved. A 50-year resident of Oak Park, Barry served his community, one he dearly loved, by organizing campaigns for the Oak Park Village Managers Association with dedication to the concept of “good government.” He also organized campaigns for District 200. He was elected to the Oak Park and River Forest District 200 School Board and served from 2003-2007, giving back to the High School that had educated his children. As a member of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center Board, he worked to achieve its mission of vibrant and stable integration in Oak Park. Barry was first and foremost a people person. He was able to talk with anyone regardless of age or stage in life. A wonderful cook and baker, he loved nothing more than throwing parties large and small, especially at holidays, often cooking for weeks in preparation. He was devoted to Marjorie, his wife of 58 years; to his children, Jessica Greenwald O’Brien (Garry O’Brien) and Jeffrey Greenwald (Suzanne Greenwald); and to his grandchildren, of whom he was especially proud, Alexeya and Nathaniel O’Brien and Gabriel and Aleksander Greenwald. Barry was laid to rest at Shalom Memorial Park on June 16, 2020, in a private service with family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org), or the charity of your choice. For information or to leave condolences: 847-255-3520 or www.shalommemorial.org.