Barbara Sue Macaluso

Barbara Sue Macaluso (Berend) age 80, ascended into heaven in the presence of family at her home in Upper Arlington Ohio, after a courageous and strong fight with pancreatic cancer.  She leaves behind her Husband of almost 59 years, Philip Macaluso Jr., Daughters, Natalie (Dana Koppes), Amanda (Murphy) and Son, Tony (Krystin), Grandchildren Finn, Kelly, Brayden, Abbey, and Luke. Her Sister Nancy (David) Stonecipher, her brother Mike (Emily) Berend, Nieces Cathy, Angie, Amy, Alyson and Nephew Adam, great-nieces and nephews and her beloved kitty, Lilly.  As well as her Sister’s in Law, Monica (Glen Gilbert) and Anita Davis (Ann O’Dell) and their families.

Barb was born in Milford Center, Ohio, moved to Upper Arlington in 1954. She graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1963, where she took pride being on the Girls Field Hockey Team.  Barb attended Stratford College in Danville Virginia.  Barb and Phil were married in 1965 at St. Agatha church, they would've celebrated their 59th Wedding Anniversary on November 20th. 

All who knew Barb, know her love of gardening. This love and her talents were the inspiration for starting The Macaluso Landscaping Co. once her children had grown. Macaluso Landscaping began operations in 1997 and operated for 15 years. Barb employed numerous employees and created beautiful and countless gardens around the city.

Throughout the years Barb, donated her time happily with her big heart and caring ways to the community by volunteering with Children’s Hospital’s Pleasure Guild (Butterfly Guild) and Ronald McDonald House, Riverside Methodist Hospital Maternity-ward, St. Andrew Church, School and Annual Festival and most recently, The Franklin Park Conservatory. 

Barb has been blessed with a very special group of friends, the majority of which she met in 4th grade at Tremont Elementary School, then Jones Middle School and continued long past their years at Upper Arlington High School into present day.  They regularly meet for lunch and are always there to support and love each other.

A celebration of Barb's life will be forthcoming, and a burial service will be held in Milford Center at a future date.  Friends of Barbara are gathering at OSU Golf Course Restaurant Thursday, November  21st from 3-7pm to share stories and to honor her.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the UA Education Foundation, Franklin Park Conservatory or your local Hospice center, to which we are eternally grateful for their support and care of our beloved Barbara Sue. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Sue Macaluso, please visit our floral store.