Barry Frenchman

Barry Frenchman, 70 years old, died on September 26. He was born in NYC, to Sidney and Lena Frenchman, and moved to Miami Beach, Florida for his high school years, graduating from Miami Beach High School. He attended and graduated from the University of Florida, and continued his education, earning two more degrees from UF, in Law and Education. He earned a Master's Degree in Counseling from Nova University in 1991, which led to his true vocation as a Mental Health Counselor.

He is survived by his wife, Alison, his children Brandt (wife, Heather), Shepherd (wife Michelle), and Megan Massaro; his stepchildren, Andrew May and Lauren May Staley (husband Jeff); his brother, Michael and sister-in-law, Laurie, and his eight adored grandchildren, Chelsea, Will, Joe, Anna, Sebastian, Tessa, Dylan, and Autumn. He is also survived by his much-loved nieces and nephew, Beth (husband Larry), Steve (wife Lani), Jessica, and Samantha, who all live in New York City. His ex-wife, Patsy Frenchman, the mother of his two sons, also survives him. His parents, Sidney and Lena Frenchman, preceded him in death.

Barry had a rich and varied career. His most fulfilling and lasting career was as a mental health therapist. He was an expert in Gestalt Therapy and was associated for many years with the Gestalt Center in Gainesville, Fl. He continued to work as a therapist in the last seven years of his life, after moving to Orlando. He was respected for his compassionate and non-judgmental presence and his work and affection enriched the lives of many clients, and his friends and family.

He was a life-long lover of Jazz, especially the early work of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, and influenced many others in this direction, both professionally and avocationally. He had a generous and gracious spirit and approached death with the courage and acceptance that exemplified his life. He was steadfastly loyal and loving with friends and family.

He was an enthusiastic athlete, enjoying golf, tennis, swimming, and horse back-riding at various times in his life. He loved art, poetry, and music of all kinds.

Barry was a person of adventure, immense personal courage, generosity of spirit, and loyalty and affection towards those he loved. He will be missed intensely by everyone who knew him, especially his family.

A Memorial Service is planned for October 13, 2012 at the Canterbury Retreat Center in Oviedo at 2pm. The Rev. Alison Harrity will officiate. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that donations to the charity of your choice be made in his name.