Published in the September 13, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Barry Innerfield, 83, longtime Wakefield resident and owner of LBJ Honda/Acura repair shop in Melrose, died at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on September 7 after a brief illness.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Liuda Dovydenas; daughters Randi Leach of Centralia, WA and Gail Tremblay and her husband Alan Tremblay of Van Etten, NY; son Jerry Innerfield and his wife Holly Innerfield of Weare, NH; daughter Sophie Innerfield and her husband Nick Balkin of Somerville, MA; six grandchildren; and his beloved dog Caesar.
Only child of Sadye Innerfield (Gartner) and Sydney Innerfield, Barry grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He attended the University of Bridgeport and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
After working as an engineer for many years, Barry made a career change to auto repair in 1973 during a downturn in the economy because he wanted to finish a project every day. When he met a Honda Civic it was love at first sight, and he went on to found LBJ Honda/Acura in 1986.
Barry was an avid skier and hiker, and passed his love of the outdoors on to his children. In his later years sailing his Sea Sprite out of Salem was his bliss. He was a ham radio buff under the call sign W2FQD. He loved animals, especially dogs, and never passed up an opportunity to make a new canine (or human) friend.
He loved to explain how things work and how to fix them.
He will be remembered always for his frankness, warm heartedness, and quirky sense of humor.
A memorial celebration is planned for Saturday, October 1, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Crystal Community Club, 77 Preston St. in Wakefield.
All are welcome.
