Barry F. McCarthy

September 20, 1948 - October 31, 2022

Barry Francis McCarthy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Barry had been suffering from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) for six years. Barry was born to Vince and Virginia McCarthy on the south side of Chicago, IL, the third of five children. Most of his childhood was spent in Cleveland, OH, where he graduated from St. Dominic's Catholic School in Shaker Heights, and St. Peter Chanel High School in Bedford. He was an accomplished caddy at Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood, OH. After two years at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, he moved to California with his family in the late '60s, where he completed his undergraduate work and law degree at Santa Clara University. Barry's law practice spanned several decades and included extensive work in energy law. He initially worked for the Contra Costa County Legal Services Foundation providing legal assistance to those of low income. He was then hired as an attorney at the City of Santa Clara and went on to become a partner at Duncan, Weinberg, Genzer & Pembroke. He later started his own firm and eventually established a longtime law partnership with Susie Berlin. Barry counseled and advised publicly-owned utilities across the state, guiding them through a changing energy regulatory landscape and helping to usher in a new era of utility regulation. Barry was widely lauded as an expert in the area, and was instrumental in mentoring others on legal issues in this field.Barry delighted in telling people he met his wife Carol/CJ McCarthy at a City of Santa Clara hydroelectric dam dedication (this is true) as he did the legal work for the project, and CJ was there representing the city. Former City Manager Jennifer Sparacino took responsibility for this 'meet cute.' After retirement from the law, Barry began volunteer work with the Clemency Project and the Pro Bono Project before he became ill in 2017. He was diagnosed with MSA, a rare progressive and degenerative neurological disease. He faced MSA bravely, and appreciated the support of family, friends and caregivers Hannah, Miriam and, most recently, Julie.Barry was a loving father, husband, brother, and a fiercely loyal friend to many. Much to his wife's chagrin, he charmed many widows at the Westmont of Morgan Hill assisted living facility where he and his wife of 32 years resided for the last 4+ years. In addition to wife CJ, Barry is survived by son Brendan and grandsons Aidan and Robbie, and daughter Katie (Plaza), her husband Jakub, and granddaughters Charlotte and Sydney. Barry's first wife Kris remained close with Barry and CJ. All will miss him terribly. Whether on the playground, in the classroom, on the golf course or in the courtroom, Barry's talent, creativity and integrity allowed him to shine. Everything he did, he did well. Along the way, he earned the never-ending love of his family and the unconditional devotion of his numerous friends.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity, or to BrainSupportNetwork.org or to MultipleSystemAtrophy.org in Barry's name. A wake is planned in the new year; friends can email finbarcj@gmail.com">finbarcj@gmail.com">finbarcj@gmail.com">finbarcj@gmail.com to receive a notice of details when available.