James Dee Barry

James Dee Barry
James Dee Barry, 95, of Portland, CT, beloved husband of the late Dorothy (Tremblay) Barry, passed peacefully on Tuesday, 12/23/25. Known as either "Jim" or "Dee" by friends and family, Dee was born in Middletown to the late James E. and Gertrude Dee Barry. He attended St. John's Elementary School and graduation from Vinal Technical High School in Middletown, CT. After high school, Dee enlisted as a Navy Reservist.
Prior to his retirement, Dee spent his entire career as a Chevrolet mechanic, working at many dealerships and ending his career as a mechanic for the Town of Portland.
Dee was always there for everyone, no matter the time of day. He loved to chat and joke around with people; and as an Irishman, he also loved a good party. Every day Dee walked down to the Portland boat yards to collect cans and bottles, and would donate the bottle return money to cancer charities. While collecting cans and bottles, Dee loved to talk with all the patrons and workers at the boat yard. That made his day, and his family would hear all about his morning adventures later that day.
Dee is survived by his children Nancy Asci of FL, Robert Barry and his girlfriend Mary Collins of New Hampshire, Michael Barry of CT/NH, and Susan O'Leary and her husband Kevin of Middletown; four grandchildren Matthew Picard and his wife Liz, Patrick O'Leary, Megan O'Leary, and Jason O'Leary and his wife Abby; three great-grandchildren Connor, Hunter, and Skylar Picard, along with another great-grandson, Oliver O'Leary, due in a few months to Jason and Abby. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, and their families. Dee was especially close with his niece Ann and her husband Jeff Wallace of Portland. He was predeceased by his son-in-law William Asci.
Dee was devastated after the loss of his wife Dottie. Many years after her death, he met Claire Narus at church and fell in love. They enjoyed many happy years together until her passing in 2020.
Dee was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Irish American Home, and was a very faithful member of the Church of St. Mary in Portland. He absolutely loved the Saturday night dinners with a group of parishioners. Dee lived his life to the fullest and had always enjoyed swimming, motorcycling, snowmobiling, waterskiing, and spending time with his family and friends.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 30th at 9 a.m. from the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland, followed by a Mass of Christian burial in St. Mary's Church, Portland at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Portland. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, December 29th from 4 to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dee's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Ladies Guild of the Church of St. Mary.