Barry Michael Okun Obituary

January 17, 2025

Ted Dupont wrote a sympathy message

“PART FIVE: From Ted Dupont I met Barry through my wife Bibi Pasternack, who went to summer camp with Judy Fell of Highland Park, Ill., who met Barry at Boston U Law School, where they promptly fell in love and later married. Judy died at age 53 in 2005, and Barry missed her to the bone. The fact that they are both now gone is just too sad. Barry, my friend, you will be missed.”

January 17, 2025

Ted Dupont wrote a sympathy message

“PART FOUR: From Ted Dupont Growing up like me in a working-class household, Barry rocketed past it all, to a distinguished career as a lawyer who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. But his heart was in the arts, and Barry found his late-life calling in publishing "The List," where his omni-knowledge spotlighted the coolest and most you-gotta-see this happenings in New York City, thoughtfully paired with the best nearby restaurants and watering holes (because you gotta eat).”

January 17, 2025

Ted Dupont wrote a sympathy message

“PART THREE: From Ted Dupont ...Basil Twist's Symphonie Fantastique at HERE Arts Center, the original Roberta's, and the Paul Simon career retrospective at BAM--where Barry memorably (that's one word for it) yelled out "Faker!" at Josh Groban when he was singing a tender duet with Paul. Yep, Barry (not Josh Groban) wouldn't be held down or defied, defined or categorized.”

January 17, 2025

Ted Dupont wrote a sympathy message

“PART TWO: From Ted Dupont He spoke his mind, for better and worse. He savored life and was one of the most "alive" people I've ever met. And if you were on his wavelength, you lived just a little more quickly, more sharply, and more deliciously for the time you were with him. Thank you Barry for introducing me to Momofuku, Dirty French, the Summer of Riesling, Bar GoTo, Wozzeck at Lincoln Center, the Pegu Club, the Elm, Krapp's Last Tape, Roulette, Grand Army, Frenchette...”

January 17, 2025

Ted Dupont wrote a sympathy message

“PART ONE: From Ted Dupont God rest ye, Barry, gentleman, let nothing you dismay. I mourn Barry's death, both for the fact of his shockingly untimely passing, but also, more selfishly, because of the loss I will suffer at no longer having him around. Barry was definitely not everybody's cup of tea, but for those for whom he was, being with him was a one-way ticket to great times, world-class food, strong and sublime drink, and crackling conversation.”