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