Barney C. Guttman
June 7, 1939 - June 14, 2026

Barney C. Guttman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to seemingly everyone he ever met, passed away on June 14, just a week after his 87th birthday. Barney was known to initiate every toast and wedding speech with "Friends who are family and family who are friends," and no nine words could better capture how he lived.

Born in Pittsburgh on June 7, 1939, to Morris "Moe" and Rosamond "Roe" Cohen Guttman, Barney grew up in Squirrel Hill, the first-born grandson of a close-knit clan that gathered every Friday night around Grandma Lena's table. He attended elementary school at Linden School, high school at Mercersburg Academy and college at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. After university, and over his mother's objections, Barney turned down law school to begin his career at Merrill Lynch & Company in New York City, periodically returning home to serve in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

In 1963, when his father fell ill, Barney returned to Pittsburgh to run the family business, Pittsburgh Aluminum Alloys, growing it from a regional manufacturer into a firm with a national footprint, eventually orchestrating its sale to National Steel in 1970. It was during this time that Barney met Susie on a blind date, proposing after only six dates. They built a life and family together, joyfully married almost 60 years.

A few years later, he began a new chapter. In 1974, armed with a phone, a yellow pad, and a Wall Street Journal, he founded what became Barney C. Guttman and Associates and Vantage Financial Group, building one of Pittsburgh's early fee-based investment advisory practices over four decades. He continued working well past the age most people consider retiring, because to Barney, work was always enjoyable. Once retired, Barney still loved to discuss "asset allocation", "index funds" and "alternative investments", especially with his grandkids.

In addition to being a wonderful family man, Barney devoted much of his energy to civic engagement. He was passionate about supporting organizations focused on combatting antisemitism, advancing medical science and improving Pittsburgh's neighborhoods.

He served as president of the Concordia Club, treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and St. Edmund's Academy, and a board officer of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, East Liberty Development Corporation, Rodef Shalom Congregation, the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition, and the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center.

In later years, Barney and Susie split their time between Pittsburgh and Delray Beach, Florida, where their home was rarely quiet or empty. Fifteen houseguests at a time was not unusual, and that was exactly how he liked it: golf, good food, family, great friends, and a Belvedere vodka martini.

Barney is survived by his wife, Susan Goldstein Guttman; his children, Harley and Eli Ungar (Englewood, NJ), Lissa Guttman (Pittsburgh), and Greg and Genna Guttman (Chicago); his sister, Patricia; and his eight adored grandchildren: Caleb, Maya, and Eva Ungar; Oren, Dean, and Alexa Guttman; and Ryan and Morgan Guttman, to whom he was simply Pop Pop.

He chose as the epigraph for the final chapter of his memoir a line he believed with his whole heart: "To live in the hearts of those you love is not to die." By that measure, Barney Guttman will be with us for a very long time.

Funeral services will be held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation 10 AM to 11 AM. Interment West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. For shiva information, please call the funeral home at 412.621.8282. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hillman Cancer Center (hillman.upmc.com), a cause close to Barney's heart. www.schugar.com

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We are so very sorry to hear about Barney. We are in Colorado visiting Harry and have shared memories of meeting Barney through Harry and Marvin. Our thoughts are with you.

By Lynn and Brian Schreiber - June 17, 2026

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Dear Susie, I am so saddened to learn of Barney’s passing. I have fond memories of working with both of you on numerous Israel Bonds events & of course, Barney playing in our annual pro-am golf tournament. He was a true mensch. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. Wishing you strength. May Barney’s name always be for a blessing.

By Harold Marcus - June 17, 2026

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Susan and Family, Although I had not seen Barney in about ten years, I did speak with him over that time. I will always treasure my relationship with him in his volunteer role with the Hillman Cancer Center...he not only helped our team fundraise, he cared for us personally and meant everything he said and did, encouraging us each step of the way. Barney, together with you, Susan, made such an impact on our work and lives. In retirement, when I started my consulting business, he was intent on helping me make this work, suggesting people I should contact, introducing me to others. He has always been close to my heart and that will not change. I will always hold my memories close.

By Gayle Tissue - June 17, 2026

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Guttman Family: So sorry to hear about Barney - he was a fascinating and interesting man. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.

By Larry, Jacquie, Chelsea & Jamie Jacobson - June 16, 2026

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Barney will be missed. A friend and a true mench with a life well lived. My condolences.

By Elaine Wittlin - June 16, 2026

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Dearest Susie , Our thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time . We know Barney was adored and will be missed by so many . Sending our heartfelt condolences and a big hug to you . With Love , Jane and Charlie

By Jane and Charles Forman - June 16, 2026

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My heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father, grandfather, husband. I hope the memories you shared with him bring comfort during this difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs.

By Sherri - June 16, 2026

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I am so sorry to hear about Barney’s passing. I remember him fondly from our days at Camp Fernwood. He was a wonderful father and I always enjoyed seeing him on visiting day. Sending the entire family my sincere condolences. May his memory be of a blessing.

By Nancy Roberts Zalta - June 16, 2026

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He was a great man….

By Eddie & Myra Childs - June 16, 2026

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My deepest condolences to Susie, Harley, Lissa and Greg as well as Patsy. The Guttmans were my neighbors in Beechwood Court. Sharing a childhood friendship with Patsy was always special and then becoming lifelong friends with Barney and Susie throughout 48 wonderful years of marriage with Jimmy before he passed away 10 years ago. The memories we shared will last a lifetime. ♥️ And then Lissa and Lisa were friends throughout their high school years and Greg and Brian are best buddies like brothers. The family/friend connections are deep and strong. My love and hugs to all the family~Carol Lippard Ratner

By Carol Ratner - June 15, 2026

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I am so sorry for your loss. Your father lived a long and meaningful life, and it sounds like he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Thinking of you and your family and sending my deepest condolences. Love you, Liss! ❤️

By Grace Yang - June 15, 2026

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