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Pete A. Barren

8/5/1941 - 8/15/2026

Text:

Obituary For Pete A. Barren

Henry A. “Pete” Barren, 85, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A steadfast patriarch, he anchored his family with quiet strength and a deep-rooted work ethic.

Pete was Born Aug. 5, 1941, in Shaker Heights, OH, to the late Henry A. Barren Jr. and Jean Van Aken. As a lifelong Cleveland sports fan, one of Pete’s favorite memories growing up in the Cleveland area was attending the 1948 World Series with his father.

A 1959 graduate of Steubenville High School, Pete played center for the Big Red football team where he won All-Ohio honors in 1958. His commitment to SHS did not end with his graduation, as he remained tirelessly committed to his alma mater throughout the entirety of his life.

After high school, Pete continued pursuing athletic and academic excellence at Ohio University, where he was a member of the Bobcat’s legendary 1960 NCAA College Division national championship team. In 1962, he played for the Bobcats in the Sun Bowl and was later enshrined in The Kermit Blosser Ohio University Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1963, Pete received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University before earning his master’s degree from West Virginia University one year later.

On Aug. 24, 1964, Pete married the love of his life, Mary E. Barren in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. For 56 loving years, Pete and Mary had an inseparable bond, raising two children, Jim and Suzanne.

Pete worked as a teacher and coach in Warren City Schools and Martins Ferry, where he eventually became head football coach and athletic director.

Steubenville to the core, Pete eventually found his way back to his beloved hometown where he worked for many years at Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corporation as a plant manager until his retirement.

In 1981, he was elected to the Steubenville City Schools Board of Education, serving proudly until 1997.

Pete was also a former Deacon and elder with First Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary E. Barren, on Aug. 10, 2019; a sister, Martha; brother, Bill; and grandson, Max Barren.

Pete is survived by brother, Scott in Cleveland; son, retired Col. Jim (Dana) Barren of Wilmington, DE; daughter Suzanne (Robert) Pagnanelli of Tampa, FL; and four grandchildren, Jake Barren & Carmen Mabee and Alexa & Luke Pagnanelli.

Friends may call at First Westminster Church, 235 North Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio on Tuesday, August 18, from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jason Elliott officiating. Private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Steubenville High School Foundation, c/o Barren Family Scholarship Fund, 420 North Fourth Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952

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Condolences

  • 09/04/2026

    Dave and Lynn Hutter

    Pete was a very special person who treated everyone with dignity and respect. My husband and Pete played football from grade school through college and were good friends. Mary was a dear friend, too, and we hold so many dear memories of our times together. Pete gave so much time and effort to the Steubenville commuity and especially SHS and BIG RED football. He left an imprint on the community and strove for excellence. Rest in peace, Pete, with Mary at your side. We and your town will miss you. Condolences to Suzanne, Jim, and families. Sincerely, Dave and Lynn Hutter

  • 08/18/2026

    Ed and Sheila Hendricks

    We express our deepest sympathy to Jim and Suzanne on the loss of their father. Ed and Sheila Hendricks

  • 08/18/2026

    Lois (DiAngelo) Riley

    So sorry for your great loss. My memories go back to my high school days with brother Bill. Just wanted to be sure you knew I saw this and it indeed stirred up many memories of the Barren family. Lois (Diangelo) Riley

  • 08/17/2026

    John "Nick " Barnes

    To the family of Pete,you have my deepest condolences and sympathy. Pete will be always be remembered as a true and loyal friend to all that knew him. His brother Bill and I played football all the way through high-school and graduated together. What a family!!! I will surely miss my Browns loving fan. What a memory he had, I could always count on him for information, he was like an encyclopedia. God bless the family and stay strong Jim-Bob. Family friend John "Nick " Barnes

  • 08/17/2026

    Bobby Sullivan

    Mr Barren had a way of making everyone feel that they were valued. The impact he made will never be forgotten. The Ville lost a great man, he left so much love and respect that his legacy lives on in all of us. When my father passed in 84, he asked if I would walk with him outside after paying respects to my father. He sat with me on the steps of the funeral home and after our talk, I walked away from that conversation feeling comforted and encouraged. That was Mr. Barren...do for others!!! On behalf of my sister Michelle (Sullivan) Brucker and myself Bobby Sullivan, thank you for sharing him with all of us. May your precious memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. ALWAYS & FOREVER.....ROLL RED ROLL!!!!

  • 08/17/2026

    David Kromalic

    My prayers go out to entire Barren family! My fondest memories were coming to the house to pick up Jimmy to go hang out and "Papa Pete" would come out and speak with us. Although an intimidating man, lol, he always had great words of advice for us. I always seemed to walk away a little wiser for it! He will be missed! RIP Mr Barren!!

  • 08/17/2026

    Jim Massarelli

    Pete and I were teammates at OU back in the day. We would always try to get-together when Steubenville played in Tuscarawas county or at Big Red. He was a good friend. I will miss him. God bless your family. Jim Massarelli

  • 08/17/2026

    Linda Yanok

    To the Barren Family, Pete was one of the good ones. He was kind and caring and generous to a fault. I remember sitting with Mary and him at church when my grandson was small and they were both like a second set of grandparents. His dedication to his Alma Mater was unmatched and he helped many young students over the years. My husband and I send our most sincere condolences to all of the Barren Family. Linda and Joe Yanok and Christian

  • 08/17/2026

    Don Carnahan

    My prayers are with the entire Barren Family. This SHS Big Red Booster will always remember "Pete" walking the Harding Track Field. With all hope of a great of a great 2026 Football season, we can bring another Championship in memory of Mr. Barren. May the Lord bless all of you and his closest friends during trying time. SHS Booster Don Carnahan

  • 08/16/2026

    Gary Repella

    Scott and Jim please accept my condolences on Pete's passing. Scott and I were in grade school together when I first met Pete. One summer Pete was the coach of Legion 2 and Scott and were batboys for some games at Bellview. Little did I know that a life long friendship would begin. When Jimmy was in high school I got to coach him on our reserve basketball team and we had a blast. Then later in life Pete and Mary became friends and supporters of my children showing up at Big Red games or academic events and taking the time to stick around after the event to personally congratulate my kids. They both showed this warmth and graciousness with many other Big Red families in our city. On behalf of Maddalena, Tana, Stephen, Elizabeth and myself please accept our condolences and know that Pete and Mary had such a positive impact on Big Red and the city we love. May Pete's memory be Eternal! Gary Repella

  • 08/16/2026

    Steve Seminara

    Dear Scott and family. My most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to yours. Pete was just a wonderful person and so great to be around. Big Red nation indeed has lost a wonderful person and a most dedicated supporter of all big red athletics. He will be missed my many in the community. May hecrest in oeace. Steve Seminara and Family

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