Schlafman, Barry

Barry Schlafman, 64, of Vinton, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a short illness. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Monday at Eben Israel Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Rabbi Todd Thalblum will officiate. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids is in charge of arrangements.

Barry was born June 15, 1949, in Revere, Mass., the son of Henry and Sara (Baker) Schlafman. He attended school in Winthrop, Mass., and graduated from Winthrop High School in 1968. Barry moved to Iowa in 1976 and worked in the automotive sales industry until he was disabled in 2008.

Barry is survived by his wife, Lori; sister-in-law, Ellen Schlafman of Lynn, Mass.; sisters- in- law and brothers - in-law, Monica and Pete Stark of Vinton and Sheila and Jim Rickert of Fort Worth, Texas; his mother-in-law, Lois Hagg of Waterloo; two nieces and four nephews. He also leaves behind two beloved dogs, Jezebel and Maisy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, many aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as many loved pets.

Barry committed to Lori Hagg on July 31, 1976, and they were legally married on July 31, 1986. They made their home in Waterloo until September 2005 at which time they moved to Vinton.

Barry loved cars; selling them, working on them or watching them race. He enjoyed watching football with his friends and family, his favorite team being the New England Patriots.

Barry was a terrific cook, specializing in Italian dishes, and made the best strawberry hot fudge sundaes. Barry was known for his off-based humor and love for his family.

No flowers or plants; memorial donations may be given to the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Please leave a message or tribute to Barry's family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Oct. 5, 2013 in The Gazette