William E. Barry

William E. "Bill" Barry, age 82, passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 18, 1940, he was the son of the late J. Leo and Eleanor M. (Mitchell) Barry.  Bill was raised in West Roxbury and graduated from Roslindale High School in 1958.  He continued his education at Boston College, earning his bachelor’s degree with a focus on business in 1962.  Following his graduation, Bill began his sales career, which spanned several decades in the group insurance business, as a sales representative and manger with Confederation Life, Metropolitan Life and John Hancock. 

 

Bill married his beloved wife, Catherine Oberfell, on June 12, 1971, in her hometown of McGregor, Iowa.  The young couple settled in Walpole, Massachusetts, where they welcomed two children, Colleen and Brian.  Sadly, his wife, Catherine, passed away in 1992.

 

Bill married his devoted wife, Susan (Monaghan) Kenney.  The couple initially made their home in Norfolk and then in the early 2000s, Bill and Susan made their home on Cape Cod, settling in the Cummaquid for most of the year and looked forward to enjoying the winter months in Naples, Florida. 

 

Throughout his life, Bill enjoyed staying active.  He was an avid runner, taking time every day to run the streets of Walpole and Cape Cod, regardless of the weather.  His hard work and dedication led him to run thirteen marathons over the course of his life.  Bill also enjoyed playing basketball, earning him the nickname "The Shot."  Golf was a huge part of Bill's active lifestyle, spending countless hours on various courses, including Dennis Highlands and Dennis Pines, perfecting his game.  In 1986, he joined Cummaquid Golf Club, playing countless rounds and forging many friendships.  

 

Bill's active lifestyle did not end with athletics, as he always gave back to the communities that gave him so much.  He stayed very involved with Boston College, as a long-time basketball and football season ticket holder, working on the Alumni Association and staying in touch with classmates.  On a local level in Walpole, Bill was a founding member of the Friends of Saint Patrick, a charitable organization of businessmen, founded in 1987.  The Friends of Saint Patrick have raised and donated thousands of dollars to local charities.   It is no coincidence that the organization that Bill helped to found was named for the Patron Saint of Ireland, as Bill's love for his family's Irish roots was evident in all aspects of his life.  He took great pride in his dual citizenship, visited Ireland on many occasions and enjoyed listening to Irish music daily. 

 

Most of all, Bill was devoted to his family, treasuring the moments he spent surrounded by those he loved.  Bill was delighted at the birth of his grandchildren, and religiously attended all of their events, showing his support with his patented “Fist Pump” and smile. 

 

Beloved husband of Susan M. (Kenney) Barry and the late Catherine O. (Oberfell) Barry.

Loving father of Colleen E. Deignan and her husband, Patrick, of Medfield, Brian W. Barry and his wife, Caitlin, of Norfolk and predeceased by his step-son, Brian J. Kenney.

Cherished grandfather of Casey, Bridget, Ryan, Emmette, Georgia, and Brooke.

Brother of Paula A. Turner and her late husband, Kenneth, of West Harwich and James H. Barry and his wife, Lorraine, of Jamaica Plain.  Lastly, as a loving Uncle to his nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Bill's Life Celebration on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Theresa’s Church, 2078 Centre Street, West Roxbury on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 9:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Saint Joseph's Cemetery in West Roxbury.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name may be made to the Fisher House of Boston, at https://fisherhouseboston.org/ to continue his legacy of supporting veterans and their families.