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Matthew Barry Obituary
Matthew Duane Barry, of Southport, Conn., passed away unexpectedly following surgery on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. He was 60.
A graduate of Fairfield Country Day School, Phillips Academy Andover, Princeton University (Class of 1978), and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (M.A.), Matthew practiced for more than thirty years as a landscape architect based in Greenwich, Conn., and most recently Southport, Conn.
Matthew was continually inspired by beauty in nature, and this passion drove his life and work. He was devoted to designing landscapes that resonated with balance, rhythm and scale, and that were free from rules and preconceptions. He endeavored to live his life in much the same way.
Matthew was a proud alumnus of Andover and Princeton, returning frequently to class reunions. He traveled extensively, nourishing his passion for architecture and garden's designed by the world's masters. He also did design work abroad, most notably in Greece.
Above all, he was fiercely dedicated to his family, especially to his mother, Rosemary Quinn Barry, who died in 2012. Matthew is survived by his father, John F. Barry, Jr., and his eight brothers and sisters—Morgan Morton of Calistoga, CA, John F. Barry III of Riverside, Conn., Christopher Barry of Port Charlotte, Fl., Rosemary Barry of Westport, Conn., Michael Barry of Southport, Conn., Polly Barry of Southport, Conn., Maura Grinalds of Southport, Conn., and Deirdre Barry of New York, NY—and his 24 nieces and nephews; they were among his greatest pleasures in his life.
Beloved by so many, Matthew brought an infectious intensity and exuberance for life that is already sorely missed by those who love him.
A celebration of Matthew's life will be held on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00am, at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport, Conn. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts in Matthew's memory to the Southport Village Park maintained by the Southport Conservancy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Barry
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
mr kim nelson
May 24, 2023
hi matt....you always wanted me to visit you at your greenwich house....i went to suny colleges to be a landscape architect....but took up modeling when i responded to an ad on an ad board when i was 18...rest in peace
mr kim nelson
May 24, 2023
matt...im mr kim nelson....you always invited me for company at your greenwich home....greenwich is great and i always wanted to be a landscape architecht but found an offer to a model on an ad board at age 18 .....rest in peace
Meg Berlin
January 3, 2022
I have really wonderful memories of Matthew. We spent our HS into college years in the summers outside, looking at landscaping projects of his. This is before he decided (I see now) to become landscape architect. We'd meet up and look at various gardens and spend hours discussing his ideas. I loved every minute of it. He always had expensive and exciting ideas of what was possible and I remember thinking that he was a dreamer but in reality his ideas were solid and truly visionary at least when it came to the spaces he worked on. One memory I have which is especially lasting is going next door to his house onto an estate which had massive beech trees. We would sneak in and climb the branches talking all the while about our ideas. We always had so much fun. I'm very sorry I lost touch with him and lay that fact entirely at my own feet.
Wayne Clarke
January 3, 2021
I think of Matthew often...his fearless pursuit of a seamless fit between site and structure and his genuine love for those using his gardens, remain an inspiration! His generous spirit continues to lead. Much love to all the Barrys. Wayne
Iro Georgitsis
January 14, 2015
I am deeply saddened by Matthew's passing away. Matthew brought Beauty into my home—and I am grateful to him for that precious gift. I knew Matthew as a truly genuine and very loving person who was always so supportive of everyone. His exuberance transcended generations. Only a few weeks ago he stopped by with a Christmas gift for my 5-year-old grandson--which of course he absolutely loved because Matthew always knew best what children really like!
Matthew was my dear friend and he will be sorely missed.
Our condolences to the Barry family,
Iro Georgitsis
Christian Herzeca
January 13, 2015
so sorry to hear of this. i remember matt to be kind and sweet-natured.
January 13, 2015
May you rest in peace Matt, and condolences to everyone you loved and who loved you back, Jeff
Pete Morin
January 12, 2015
From one of Matt's many old friends from Andover, I am sad for your loss and ours. A man with such ebullient love of life and friends and family! God bless.
Josephine Wallace
January 12, 2015
Many prayers for a Southport gentleman.
Andrea Harrison Botelho
January 11, 2015
Rosemary and all the Barrys - I am so sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. Losing is sibling is a different kind of loss. I have such fond memories of my childhood with all the Barrys and Aletha! My prayers are for God to give you strength to carry you through this time. Love to all. Andrea (Harrison) Botelho
January 11, 2015
ARLENE Feeley ..... My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael Spicer
January 10, 2015
Too soon, for a dear man. He will be missed on St Barts.
Meg Berlin
January 10, 2015
This is very sad news. Matt and I were good friends in our summers in Fairfield and Westport during HS and college where we worked together as young landscapers. He was so passionate and excited by every site we worked at and we would discuss all the possibilities that place offered even if it wasn't possible. He was exceptional in his enthusiasm and he was always in pursuit of beauty and a perfect solution. He was so kind and thoughtful as well as madly funny and engaging. He made an effort to help anyone he could and reached out to others at the slightest hint that he could be of service. I'm terribly sad for the Barry family at their loss - I send my condolences to you from afar.
January 10, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. With sympathy and prayers to you all,
Nelson and Peg
Matthew looking onto the pool and bath house creating an ingenious "waterfront" setting!
Wayne Clarke
January 10, 2015
I had the most wonderful talk with Matthew just before we lost him.
We spoke of the spiritual nature of design in the landscape. His unswerving seeking for the truth in our craft of landscape architecture and in life made my time with him, priceless. He has been a mentor and a dear friend. I am eternally grateful. Much love to each of his wonderful family whom he holds so close. I will join with you, tomorrow in celebrating Matthew. So much to learn from him. God bless.
Christina Pstrag
January 9, 2015
Stunned ! Martel sends deepest sympathies and consolation. He will be so missed by all of us.
Elizabeth Silzer Grimm
January 9, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss! I have not seen or spoken to the Barry's in many many years, but you where all such a part of my childhood. All my best to everyone.
Elizabeth Silzer Grimm
Barbara and Rick Morgan
January 9, 2015
We always admired his infectious enthusiasm and friendly manner. He brought happiness to many people, some of whom he hardly knew. As neighbors across the hedge we will miss Matt's visits.
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
January 9, 2015
We will truly miss his infectious enthusiasm and true love of life. He brought happiness to many people he hardly new. As his neighbors across the hedge, we will dearly miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barbara and Rick Morgan
Saj
January 9, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
Meg Davis
January 9, 2015
I am so sad to hear this news. Matt was a friend at Princeton and in New York afterwards. It was always such a pleasure to see him loping down the path toward me, that distinctive smile broadening as he approached, knowing that he would have a hilarious greeting or observation to share. I can hear his voice now. . . my thoughts are with all of you Barrys.
Marita Kennedy Wein
January 9, 2015
I am sorry for your loss of such a special person. He was loved by so many, particularly my mom who had a special fondness for Mathew. May he enjoy his next adventure with your mom and mine. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this incredibly sad time. Love,
January 9, 2015
we are so very sorry for your deep loss Our thoughts are with you
Seena and Joe Katz
V. Sanchez
January 9, 2015
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. We are truly sorry for your loss. May Johm 5:28,29 be of much comfort.
Emily C. van de Weijer
January 8, 2015
May the love of family and friends comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Please accept my sincere condolences
January 8, 2015
So sorry for your loss of a beloved brother.
Carol and Alan Shiff
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