Legendary and beloved entertainer Ernie Barry of Framingham, MA and Brooklyn, NY passed away peacefully on New Year’s Day at 87 years old.
Ernest Ferdinand Barbieri was born to Joseph and Adele ‘Nana’ Barbieri, the youngest of venerated siblings Frank, Joe, Louie, Anna, and Paul. Ernie grew up on the Barbieri family farm along the bucolic shores of Lake Waushakum. He inherited a tireless work ethic, waking at early hours to tend the family’s Ice House and work on the farm before school. At a young age, Ernie learned that music brought great joy to his family, as they would gather around the radio together in the evenings and listen to opera. He found a passion for piano and accordion playing and continued his studies at the esteemed Berklee College of Music.
After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, Ernie returned home and married Ford model and political leftist, Antoinette Pellegrini. Along with his trusty squeezebox, Ernie and Antoinette headed to New York City to raise their children, and Ernie began his long and storied musical career. With an all-star lineup, featuring among others, celebrated vocalist Phyllis Girone, Ernie played some of New York’s most renowned establishments. His performances included a record-setting 72-week engagement at New York’s famed Copacabana nightclub where, during one show, Count Basie gave Ernie a standing ovation.
By the time he opened his own nightclub in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Ernie had become a favorite New York entertainer. During its 12 years, Ernie Barry’s was a hugely popular neighborhood landmark and one of the town’s premier spots for mobsters to disco dance. Featured musical guests included Taylor Dayne, The Four Tops, Tiny Tim, and Public Enemy’s first-ever Brooklyn performance.
Ernie had the rare gift to light up any room. Later in his career, he played wherever he could bring people joy, from senior residence homes to several appearances on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live.’ In addition to starring in the indie-film ‘Denounced’, Ernie released his acclaimed LP ‘Moon Over Brooklyn’, featuring the hit, ‘Yes Dear’. He was a longtime fixture at Hollywood’s Feast of San Gennaro and the original Grimaldi’s Pizza under the Brooklyn Bridge where he delighted guests with his songs and humor, doing what he did best, bringing smiles to countless people.
Ernie’s whole-hearted spirit lives on in his adoring fans, family and friends. The family would like to extend their thanks to Neil, Tony, Bobby, Jerry, Frank and cousin Greg for years of loyal friendship. They also are very grateful to Ernie’s caring nieces and nephews, especially Ricky and Joe, for their dedication to his happiness and well-being over the years.
Ernie leaves behind three devoted children Ernie Jr., Anthony, and Katherine. Ernie’s affection for his three grandchildren is eternal; Isabella, Lola, and Enzo loved nothing more than singing with their Grandpa. Ernie also leaves behind his beautiful first wife, Antoinette, as well as beloved daughters-in-law Bridget and Daryl, and soon to be son-in-law, Lucio.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Columbus Club in Framingham, MA on Sunday, February 17th at 12:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the North American Accordion Collaborative (http://thenaac.org/).
For information about the memorial service, please contact Katherine Barbieri at [email protected].