EDMUND WILLIAM BARRY Jr.

1936 - 2022

BARRY, Edmund William Jr. Formerly of St. Petersburg ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Edmund "Ed" William Barry, Jr., 86 years old, born in Winthrop, MA at Winthrop Community Hospital on February 3, 1936 (the feast day of St. Blaise), passed away at St. Petersburg General Hospital in St. Petersburg on Saturday evening, June 11, 2022. Edmund attended Roxbury Memorial High School for Boys, enrolling in a cooperative printing course in his senior year, landing a printing apprenticeship at Foley Composition Plant, Inc. in September of 1952. He also worked part-time as a compositor for The Boston Globe. Ed honorably served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, FL from April 1956 to February 1957. After working with children in the U.S. Naval Hospital, Ed dedicated his professional life to educating children. In 1959, Edmund earned an AA in General Education at Boston University Jr. College, a BS in History/Social Studies from Boston University in 1961, an M.Ed. in Guidance at Salem State College in 1967 and a C.A.G.S. in School Administration from Northeastern University in 1971. Starting as a teacher and guidance counselor at Briscoe and Memorial Jr. High School in Beverly, he moved up to Assistant Principal. Ed's professional career in vocational education continued in Beverly, MA at Claude H. Patten Vocational High School, eventually leading to Director of Vocational Education, Director of Occupational Education, Executive Director of Pupil Services and Director of Student Services. Ed landed his dream job as Superintendent-Director of the North Shore Regional Vocational School District in Middleton, MA, culminating in the dedication of the Edmund W. Barry, Jr. field in his honor. Ed's retirement consisted of terms as Assistant Executive Director and Interim Executive Director of the Northshore Education Consortium in Danvers, MA. Growing up and spending most of his life in Winthrop, MA, Ed met his wife, Joan on a blind date. Ed and Joan were married on July 30, 1960 during Hurricane Brenda and had 3 daughters: Brenda A. Waslick of Gloucester, MA, Christine M. Barry of St. Petersburg, FL, and Joanne M. Rousseau of Sturbridge, MA. Ed is also survived by two grandchildren, Madeline A. Waslick of Merrimack, NH and Desiree M. Rousseau of Sturbridge, MA, all of whom he loved dearly. Edmund was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor F. Douglass; his father Edmund W. Barry, Sr.; mother-in-law Linda J. (DiCicco) Kelly; and father-in-law John C. Kelly; in addition to a brother, James F. Barry; a sister, Marie C. Miner; and a nephew, Richard J. Barry, Jr. For over 55 years, Ed relished spending summers in Gilmanton Iron Works, New Hampshire on Crystal Lake with his family. An avid sports fan, he followed the Boston triumvirate: Red Sox, Celtics and New England Patriots. Upon his retirement to Florida, he added the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Lightning and Buccaneers to his repertoire. Ed attended many games at Fenway, The Boston Garden and Tropicana Field. Within very space he resided, be it Massachusetts, New Hampshire or Florida, various sports memorabilia were displayed prominently everywhere, including hats, t-shirts, banners, quilts, etc. True to being born under the sign of Aquarius, Ed and Joan (and his 3 daughters to this day) always resided near water. Upon retiring to Florida, Ed was able to trade up from daily summer swims on Crystal Lake in Gilmanton, IW, NH to swimming 365, all year, in the Atlantic Ocean. Tennis was a huge part of his life, and Ed and Joan were passionate about playing together. Not only did Ed play at every opportunity, he followed the tennis circuit on television religiously. Prior to his retirement, Ed and Joan traveled extensively throughout the United States and notably Austria, Mexico, Italy and Cuba, a destination that held a special place in his heart. Ed and Joan retired to Gulfport, FL in 2000 and thrived in the community, attending movies, opera, theatre and the symphony. As a couple, they enjoyed participating in and volunteering for many local groups and charities, including the local senior center. Ed and Joan resided in Gulfport, FL from 1997 until moving to St. Petersburg. As a dedicated lifelong learner, Ed enrolled in many classes at Eckerd College through the Ollie Education Center. Ed joined two book clubs and enjoyed being the provocateur in each, being the only male member of the groups. Animals were a large part of Ed's family life. In the Barry household, as his children grew up, the family hosted a cavalcade of pets, including, but not limited to, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, cats, dogs and strays. Dogs were the perennial favorite, starting with Murphy, a mutt whom his children "borrowed" often from their next-door neighbor, until the neighbors finally relented and the Barry family adopted her. Ed is also survived by two snoodles, Miley and Mac-a-doo. Services will be held in Winthrop, MA, hosted by the Caggiano Funeral Home. Please check online for time and dates. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in his name, Edmund W. Barry, Jr., to the hospital: HCA Florida St. Petersburg, 6500 38th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33710.

View the online memorial for Edmund William Jr. BARRY