Obituary for Richard Barry
SERVICES FOR RICHARD BARRY ARE POSTPONED
TO SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH FROM 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Richard (Dick) Barry, a long time resident of Acton MA and Bradford VT, and beloved husband of Annette (Shepard) for 40 years, died peacefully at home on February 25, 2023 at the age of 77.
He was born on December 8, 1945 in Concord, MA, son of the late David A. and Julia A. Barry. He was the youngest of 5 siblings.
Dick met his wife Annette in Bradford, Vermont where he had been living and working for several years. What began as friendship became an enduring love and 40 year marriage with 2 sons; Collin and Brendan. Dick and Annette shared much in common including a love of exploring the Northeast. They enjoyed many road trip adventures together and with their sons over the years.
Dick graduated from Acton High School, Acton, MA, and went on to enlist in the US Coast Guard where he served honorably as a Damage Controlman. This experience furthered his passion for boating and navigation. He was an excellent navigator and, was the favorite captain of boating excursions for his sisters and family on his beloved Lake Winnipesaukee. As a youngster, he helped family clear land and build a cabin along its shores. Summers were spent exploring the lake which in time he enjoyed with his own children and grandchildren. It was Dick’s laughter that was heard above all others whether around the card table or campfire. He brought the fun.
Most of Dick’s career was in the restaurant industry a choice that enabled him to work in beautiful locations in New England and Florida. Where ever he worked his outgoing, easy style attracted customers and kept them returning. A love of good food and cooking led him to eventually open his own busy, successful cafe, The Seasoned Chef, in the Gazebo Cafe at the American Textile Museum, Lowell.
Dick liked adventure and history. He was a horseman who raised two Morgan horses. He loved all things western including John Wayne and books by western authors Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. He was an avid reader of Lee Child and Clive Cussler novels. He was proud of his Irish heritage having been raised by family steeped in Ireland’s history.
Dick had grit, nerves of steel and the wisdom that comes with it. During a stint as a semi truck driver, he drove the narrow, winding and often icy roads of Vermont where while driving down a steep ice covered hill he looked out the passenger window to see the attached trailer sliding sideways beside him. Just another day.
A dedicated family man, his best friends were his sons. They were his pride and joy. Spending time with family was his priority and pleasure. He was drawn to the Maine seashore where he spent many happy summer vacations from boyhood through adulthood with family and friends. He treasured time spent with family particularly if it involved grandchildren!
Dick was a lot of fun, he regaled the family with exciting and humorous stories from his past, had a rebellious streak, didn’t shy away from a good debate, never missed a family gathering, and could be counted on as a husband, (grand)father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He doted on his grandchildren and was delighted to care for Will and Hannah while their parents worked.
In addition to his wife Annette, he is survived by 2 sons and their spouses: Collin and Francesca (Mainini) Barry and, Brendan and Stephanie (Geery) Barry; four grandchildren: Blake, Brenna, Will and Hannah; sister Julia and husband Ray Normand; brother in law Stephen G. Peterson husband of late sister Patricia. He also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother David and wife Doris (MacGregor) Barry, sister Barbara and husband Warren Birch, and sister Patricia Peterson.
Dick was dearly loved and will be missed forever by everyone who knew him.
.
TO SATURDAY, MARCH 11TH FROM 2:00PM - 5:00PM
Richard (Dick) Barry, a long time resident of Acton MA and Bradford VT, and beloved husband of Annette (Shepard) for 40 years, died peacefully at home on February 25, 2023 at the age of 77.
He was born on December 8, 1945 in Concord, MA, son of the late David A. and Julia A. Barry. He was the youngest of 5 siblings.
Dick met his wife Annette in Bradford, Vermont where he had been living and working for several years. What began as friendship became an enduring love and 40 year marriage with 2 sons; Collin and Brendan. Dick and Annette shared much in common including a love of exploring the Northeast. They enjoyed many road trip adventures together and with their sons over the years.
Dick graduated from Acton High School, Acton, MA, and went on to enlist in the US Coast Guard where he served honorably as a Damage Controlman. This experience furthered his passion for boating and navigation. He was an excellent navigator and, was the favorite captain of boating excursions for his sisters and family on his beloved Lake Winnipesaukee. As a youngster, he helped family clear land and build a cabin along its shores. Summers were spent exploring the lake which in time he enjoyed with his own children and grandchildren. It was Dick’s laughter that was heard above all others whether around the card table or campfire. He brought the fun.
Most of Dick’s career was in the restaurant industry a choice that enabled him to work in beautiful locations in New England and Florida. Where ever he worked his outgoing, easy style attracted customers and kept them returning. A love of good food and cooking led him to eventually open his own busy, successful cafe, The Seasoned Chef, in the Gazebo Cafe at the American Textile Museum, Lowell.
Dick liked adventure and history. He was a horseman who raised two Morgan horses. He loved all things western including John Wayne and books by western authors Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour. He was an avid reader of Lee Child and Clive Cussler novels. He was proud of his Irish heritage having been raised by family steeped in Ireland’s history.
Dick had grit, nerves of steel and the wisdom that comes with it. During a stint as a semi truck driver, he drove the narrow, winding and often icy roads of Vermont where while driving down a steep ice covered hill he looked out the passenger window to see the attached trailer sliding sideways beside him. Just another day.
A dedicated family man, his best friends were his sons. They were his pride and joy. Spending time with family was his priority and pleasure. He was drawn to the Maine seashore where he spent many happy summer vacations from boyhood through adulthood with family and friends. He treasured time spent with family particularly if it involved grandchildren!
Dick was a lot of fun, he regaled the family with exciting and humorous stories from his past, had a rebellious streak, didn’t shy away from a good debate, never missed a family gathering, and could be counted on as a husband, (grand)father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He doted on his grandchildren and was delighted to care for Will and Hannah while their parents worked.
In addition to his wife Annette, he is survived by 2 sons and their spouses: Collin and Francesca (Mainini) Barry and, Brendan and Stephanie (Geery) Barry; four grandchildren: Blake, Brenna, Will and Hannah; sister Julia and husband Ray Normand; brother in law Stephen G. Peterson husband of late sister Patricia. He also leaves many loving nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother David and wife Doris (MacGregor) Barry, sister Barbara and husband Warren Birch, and sister Patricia Peterson.
Dick was dearly loved and will be missed forever by everyone who knew him.
.