Barry Gianunzio

He was born and raised in Iron Mountain, and went on to join the Navy. After leaving the service, Barry spent many years in the car sales business both as an owner of dealerships and as a used car manager. He moved to the Tri-Cities area 20 years ago as he looked for someplace a bit warmer than his childhood home in Michigan or Appleton, Wis., where he also spent much of his life.

Barry loved to entertain and cook, so most memories his family and friends have are of the feasts he would put together on warm summer afternoons to entertain friends or the wonderful holiday meals he would enjoy making to celebrate with his family. No matter the get-together, his big personality ensured great fun and laughter.

Besides his love of food, Barry loved riding his motorcycle. Having owned a number of them over a 40-year period, he spent many hours riding the roads with his wife, enjoying the beauty of the country and the freedom he felt on his bike.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Louisa (Montpas); two daughters, Denise (Ken) Nieland, and Christina (Douglas) Peterson-Gianunzio; four grandchildren, Alayna (Brian) Colombino, Taylor (Blake) Evenson, Mason and Neven Peterson-Gianunzio; three great-grandchildren, Isabel and Paul Colombino and Maddox Evenson; as well as a brother, Warren (Rose) Gianunzio; and cousins, Pat Heisenfeldt and John (Sandra) Massicotte; and many nieces and nephews.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Cecile Gianunzio; a son, Paul; and a daughter, Lisa.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 14 at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2517 John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, Tenn.

A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 a.m.

A visitation and memorial service at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain will be held at a later date and entombment will be in Cemetery Park next to his son and daughter.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the entire staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Denise, Becky, Chelsea, and Tiffany, and Restore Life USA for granting his wish to die with grace, dignity, peace and a laugh.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or stjude.org.

You may leave a condolence or tribute for Barry’s family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, to honor Barry’s legacy of life.