Search by Name

Search by Name

Dr. Martin Aloysius Barron Jr.

Martin Barron Obituary

Dr. Martin Aloysius Barron Jr., 75 CAPE ELIZABETH – Dr. Martin Aloysius Barron Jr., 75, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away on July 19th, 2005. Dr. Barron was born on Aug. 3, 1929 in Portland, one of six siblings born to the late Martin A. Barron and Mary E. Flaherty. He grew up on Cleave Street on Munjoy Hill. He graduated from Cathedral Grammar School, Cheverus High and St. Francis Xavier University. He went on to serve his country twice in the United States Army; Korea where he earned the Bronze Star and then Germany where he served in the Medical Corps. Between Korea and Germany he used the GI Bill to pay his way through Tufts Medical School. After Korea, he met his wife Joanne in Boston where they married and worked their way together through medical school, then on to Germany then back to settle in Portland with a 32 year practice in Pediatrics started in 1964 on Deering Street. The Press Herald did a feature story on Dr. Barron's retirement in March of 1996 profiling his contributions to the Portland community of which he deeply loved. Dr Barron was the first pediatrician to serve Portland who was a Portland native. Dr. Barron was Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at the Maine Medical Center for over 20 years. After retirement he served with Barbara Bush's Building on the Promise campaign for which he was recognized. He had a summer cottage on Long Island where he was inaugurated town's first Mr. Long Island. This was one of his life's highlights. He was a life long Boston Red Sox fan and was overjoyed at being able to finally see his beloved Red Sox win the World Series in October 2004. Dr. Barron traveled twice to Peru as part of a medical team. It was a lifelong ambition to perform this kind of work. He was deeply moved by his experience. Dr. Barron is survived by his wife, Joanne, daughter Meredith Schwarz and her husband Mark of Scarborough, Martin Barron and his wife Carlene of South Portland, and William Barron and his wife Delphine of New York. He is also deeply missed by his grandchildren Andrew, Elizabeth, Katherine, Emily, Ian, Camille, Chloe and Colette; as well as numerous friends and relatives in and around the Portland area. Visiting hours will be held at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland on Friday, July 22, from 4-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, July 23, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: The Boys and Girls Club of Portland 277 Cumberland Ave. Portland, Maine 04101 or The Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at the Maine Medial Center 22 Bramhall St. Portland, Maine 04102 Dr. Martin Aloysius Barron Jr. 172 State Street, Portland, Maine 04101 1024 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106 (207) 773-6511 Fax (207) 773-9622 INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & FAMILY OPERATED

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Jul. 21, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Barron

Not sure what to say?





Peggy Shapiro

July 29, 2005

Dear Barron Family- my family sends you our heartfelt condolences on your loss. We were fortunate that our children had his wonderful care from day 1. As others have said, he had a way of making a new mother feel so competent and each child was "so beautiful"- and he meant it! I also knew him through working at MMC and so had a chance to see him impact other lives as well.

Cindy Fletcher

July 27, 2005

To Dr. Barron's family,

In early 1980's I was a new nurse working on the pediatric floor at MMC and frequently had the pleasure of working with Dr. Barron and his patients. I will never forget the experience of caring for one of our patients with Cystic Fibrosis on a daily basis until the time of her death. I grew to understand Dr. Barron's deep commitment to children/adults with CF. After this patient passed away Dr. Barron took the time to write a letter to my head nurse commending me for the care I had given to this patient and family. I still have the letter today, 24 years later. Dr. Barron knew how to 'Take Care' of everyone he encountered! Today I work at MMC's Cystic Fibrosis Center and proudly continue to care for some of Dr. Barron's "favorite" patients!

My sincere sympathy to all of you for your loss. We were so fortunate to have Dr. Barron live and work in our community for so many years.

Cindy Fletcher

Heidi Curtis

July 23, 2005

Dear Barron Family,

Our sincerest sympathies to your family. Dr. Barron was my and my husband's family pediatrician. He also cared for my nieces and nephews. And I was VERY fortunate to have him care for my own two boys before his retirement. I remember asking him (at age 18) how long could I keep him as my doctor. He told me for a couple of more years, but then I would have to start having my own children. Nine years later, he visited me and my first son in the hospital, telling me that I had a "beautiful baby boy". He had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world at that moment. He will sadly missed and fondly remembered. Take care and God bless!

Genice Mancini

July 23, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with the Barron family. Dr. Barron was my pediatrician from the time of my birth until I was in college. He was a wonderful doctor and a very kind and caring man. I even remember some house calls as a young child. He was able to make new parents feel very comfortable as well. I missed him when I got too old to continue visiting him and was saddened when I learned he retired. He was a great asset to the greater Portland area. We will all miss him.

Martin & Denise Pellegrino

July 22, 2005

As parents we were blessed to have Dr. Barron as our daughter's pediatrician. And as former Cape Elizabeth residents we were honored to have him and his family as across-the-street neighbors. Our now 22 year old daughter fondly remembers going to see "Doc" when he was out mowing his lawn, and going to Doc's house first on Halloween.



To Joanne, his children, and grandchildren: may it comfort you to know "Doc" was so well loved and admired, and that we all feel the pain of his passing.

Marcia and Rocco Risbara

July 22, 2005

Dr. Barron took care of my children from about 1965 to about 1980. He instilled so much confidence in me about going with my gut feelings in any instance. He always gave me all the time I needed when we visited him and I loved his humor.

My children are all grown and have families of their own now, he also saw some of my grandchildren, but they remember our visits to dear Dr. Barron, and how he would always say "This hurts me more than you" when he would give them a shot for something. There is not another person/Dr. like him. He will be sorely missed. Our condolences to the family, but you all have such wonderful memories to sustain you.

Susan Collins

July 22, 2005

Unlike most of the people signing this guestbook, I was not fortunate enough to have Dr. Barron treat my child. When he was born, Dr. Barron was retired or retiring and not taking on new patients. But, I have heard many great things about him from friends and relatives that did have the good furtune to have Dr. Barron as their physician. That is why I felt like I already knew him when I first met him this last year at St. Joseph's Manor. My son, Noah and I had some nice visits with him and found out that his tastes were as colorful as his personality has been - salt and vinegar potato chips! My son was amazed to find a soul mate who loved the chips as much as he did, and they sat and shared them in the lunchroom. Dr. Barron was delighted to take a package back to his room to savor later on. We enjoyed getting to know him and his wife Joanne. Joanne and my mom, Ele have become friends as they live down the hall from one another. I hope they will continue to keep each other company, especially at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. My son and I will keep Joanne company whenever we can.

Lisa Pratt

July 21, 2005

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Dr. Barron. He was the pediatrician for both of our children when they were born, and he was the best ever! He came to the hospital faithfully every day after the children were born, and always had precious words of wisdom to help a scared to death first time mother. Throughout their first years, we were always very comforted to know that he was there when we needed him. We were especially touched and impressed when our son was ill as an infant, and he called us at home at night to make sure everything was O.K. You do not find that kind of care in compassion in many doctors these days. More doctors should follow in his footsteps, and the medical world would be a much better place. Our thoughts are with all of his family, who has truly lost a gem.

Mark McCarthy

July 21, 2005

My name is Mark Im 37 years old and Dr. Barron was my doctor my whole childhood till I was a teen ager. He was a kind caring person and I am very proud to have had him serve my two children with the same caring and funny manor. In reading what other people have to say about him it is very obvious that he has touched many people's hearts and lives in very special ways. My deepest condolences and best wishes to his family. Sincerely,

Mark A McCarthy

Angela Linehan

July 21, 2005

When Dr.Barron retired I was not happy to say the least.To try and find a new doctor that would even compare was impossible.He taught me plenty and I will remember him always.

Sharon Phelps

July 21, 2005

I loved Dr Barron & my children did too! He was always very kind & gentle with them (& also with me, especially when my oldest daughter, Tracey was born who had to have surgery at a day & 1/2 old.) He & Ginny made a great team. Portland has lost a great pediatrician.

Sr. Joyce Mahany

July 21, 2005

Dr. Barron was very devoted to his first-grade teacher, Sister Mary Cook, (who is still living and very well). You gave her great joy in reconnecting with her these last few years.

Dan Clancy

July 21, 2005

Dr. Barron was my pediatrician growing up. As a child, my most vivid memory of him was on the visit where he predicted how tall I'd be and I was amazed that he ended up being so accurate. Dr. Barron was kind and gentle as a doctor, which is much appreciated as a young child who typically feared visiting doctors. Beyond his being my doctor, I got to know him a little better as later I worked and occasionally hung out with Billy. The Barron's were always extremely hospitable hosts.



Mrs. Barron, Marty, Meredith and Bill, I am so sorry for your loss.

Vicki McKinley (Morgan)

July 21, 2005

Dr Barron was my doctor until I was 20 years old. He was one of the best men in the world and will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Vicki Odom

July 21, 2005

To the family of Dr. Barron,



In 1967, as a very young new mother, I became very close to Dr. Barron when my 9 month old daughter, Lecia, became very ill. She was eventually diagnosed as a Juvenile Diabetic. For months after this diagnosis, I spoke with him every morning to determine her insulin dosage and he was always there for me as we went through this together. He was always quick to say that he didn't know all the answers and was such a down-to-earth and approachable person that I felt very comfortable asking even the dumbest question.



As the mother of four and grandmother of six, I can only hope that my children will have the kind of support I received from Dr. Barron if some injury or illness should threaten one of my grandchildren (God forbid).



I know how keenly you will feel his absence; but please be comforted by the lives he touched and those he saved.



Love to all of you,

MARION SOLAK-GOODWIN

July 21, 2005

DOCTOR BARRON WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS WONDERFUL PERSONALITY AND GREAT VISION OF WHAT A REAL PHYSICIAN IS. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN HE CAME TO MY HOUSE WHEN I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. I NEVER FORGOT THIS MAN AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THE IMPRESSION I RECEIVED FROM HIS CARING AND CONCERN FOR NOT ONLY THE SICK BUT FOR EVERONE IN HIS PRESENCE. THAT WAS FIFTY YEARS AGO. SOMETIMES TIME STANDS STILL.

Betty Jo Cash

July 21, 2005

Dear Barron Family,

I'm so sorry for you loss. Dr. Barron was the best pediatrian EVER! As a first time mother he helped to ease so many fears I had. That was back in 1991, then in 95 when i was pregnant with my 2nd child it comforted me to know that he would again be there for my child yet once again. I cant express the loss i felt when i found out that he was retiring and would longer be taking care of my children. I still to this day remember our conversations about Disney World. He was 1 of a kind, but I know I dont have to tell you that. Please know that he never has been nor will he ever be forgotten by his patience.

Sincerely, Betty Jo Cash

Agnes McAvoy

July 21, 2005

My thoughts and prayers are with Dr Barron's family.

My children were patients of Dr Barron's for many, many years. My youngest, Kathleen who is visually inpaired, would cry everytime she would visit with him. He hated when he had to give her shots as she would get so upset. He would always give her a big hug after and would always say "I'm sorry", although he new she needed it, you knew he didn't like to hurt or upset her. It really pulled at his heart strings. He was so gentle and kind. I will never forget all he has done for my children throughout the years. He will be missed dearly.

Elizabeth Kearns

July 21, 2005

As a new parent, it was a special gift to have Dr. Barron as my children's pediatrician. I had many opportunities to speak with him after his retirement and always wished him the best but as I said to him, "I was happy for him but was sorry for the parents who would never have the opportunity to have him care for their children".

Matt McAleney

July 21, 2005

The island and for that matter the world has just lost one of great charactors of all time. Doc pulled me through the normal scrapes and scratches of growing up but also kept myself and my family in stiches for over 25 years on Long Island. We'll miss you deeply. ~Matt

Joy Rossignol

July 21, 2005

Dr Barron was the kindest, most wonderful doctor that I have ever met in my 63 years of life. Children all over will miss him!

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Martin Barron's name

Memorial Events
for Martin Barron

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Martin Barron's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more