With Gratitude for Barry Grossbach (1939–2025)

Our friend and neighbor Barry Grossbach passed away in December 2025, but his dedication to the neighborhood and pragmatic, problem-solving approach live on in many ways, including throughout Bartram’s Garden.

Most recently, we were delighted to work with Barry on several projects in memory of his husband, Michael Hardy. In Mike’s honor, and in keeping with Barry’s overall approach, Barry wanted to focus on making the Garden a more inviting and comfortable place for everyone: by restoring a century-old gazebo, by planting new trees, and by installing beautiful new benches to create comfortable destinations along the river.

If you find yourself in the gazebo or on those riverfront benches, check out the inscriptions Barry selected for each one. The best summary of his legacy is captured in the gazebo: “May this place in nature inspire all who gather here and honor those who came before.”

Thank you, Barry. May it be so.

Photo: A community group gathering in the restored gazebo before a springtime guided tour; some people are raising their hands in response to a question from a staff member. The gazebo’s beautiful unfinished wood ceiling and inscription in honor of Michael Hardy are visible beyond. Image courtesy Shannon Sophy.