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Bonoff, Barry Snyder age 91, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, passed away on December 25th, 2022. Born on June 30th, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska to S’reve and Joseph Bonoff, he grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Barry attended Washburn High School, with a stint at Shattuck St. Mary’s, made short when he called a cab to sneak home while his parents were out of town and never returned. He went on to the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in political science. After college he joined the Army and rose the ranks to serve in the Army Counterintelligence Corps. His intelligence service, during the height of the Cold War, was one of the highlights of his life and something he was deeply proud of.
Barry’s father, Joseph, founded Jackson Graves, a women’s specialty store. After leaving the Army, Barry took over and expanded the business. Jackson Graves became a shopping destination for women across the Midwest. Barry brought up and coming fashions to Minneapolis, highlighting young designers like Zoran, Michael Kors, Diane Von Furstenberg and Rene LaCoste before they were household names. A pioneer in retail he served on the Downtown Council and helped lead the opening of Southdale and City Center.
After Jackson Graves closed in 1991, he continued in retail, bringing major UK brands into the Mall of America and Galleria. He was adored by customers, clients, employees, and even his competitors. Barry was larger than life and cared deeply for his community. He was a passionate advocate for nature, as a former board member of the Minnesota Zoo and engaged BWCA community member on the Gunflint Trail. Barry was a storyteller, mentor and role model in every way. He taught business at St. Thomas University and was a regular volunteer at Gatewood Elementary School into his late 80’s, working with students to support their reading and development. Barry was proud and active in the Minneapolis Jewish community at Temple Israel where he was a lifelong member and served on the Board and loved his longtime role as an usher at the annual High Holiday Services. Above all, Barry’s greatest accomplishment and love was his family. As a husband, father and “Grandpa Barry” to all, he spent the last hours of his life surrounded by all of them. He set an example for each of them, and they cherished him. Those who had the privilege to know Barry feel the tremendous loss, but can’t help but smile at the wonderful memories, and his sense of humor which he kept to the end; he loved his sly remarks.
Barry is survived by his wife, Roberta Bonoff; children, Michael Bonoff (Karen Bonoff, of blessed memory), Terri Bonoff (Matthew Knopf), Steven Bonoff (Elder Carson), Nancy Bilyk (Tom Bilyk), Alex Bonoff and Sarah Bonoff; and grandchildren, Joe Paulsen (Samantha Tubman), Adam Paulsen (Soon Reichelt), Leigh Knopf, Jacob Knopf (Tia Simmons), Carolyn Bonoff, John Bonoff, Peter Bonoff, Belle Bilyk, Natalie Bilyk, Sam Bilyk, and two great-grandchildren; Hana Paulsen and Lili Knopf Simmons. Services have been held.
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