Barry J. Comerford

1950 - 2022

Barry J. Comerford
Barry J. Comerford, 72, passed away on June 6, 2022, in his home surrounded by his loved ones and three loyal dogs after fighting a long and valiant battle against cancer.
He was born to Joseph and Mary Comerford on January 3, 1950. After a brief stint as a drummer in a rock 'n' roll band, Barry graduated from Leicester High School, in Massachusetts. Barry joined the Air Force, spending much of his service stationed in Alaska. After his military service he moved to Northern California, where he joined the San Francisco Fire Department. Although he left his home state of Massachusetts more than 50 years ago for the west coast, he always kept his Boston accent and could often be found in a beat up old Red Sox baseball cap and t-shirt.
Barry spent 30 of the best years of his life serving as a San Francisco Firefighter. Most of that time was spent at Station 7 in the Mission District with numerous co-workers who became lifelong friends. As an engine pump operator, he skillfully (and artfully) navigated the fire engine through the challenging streets of San Francisco earning the nickname, "Launch". Once on scene, he got to work manning the pumps, making sure that his colleagues had quick access to the water they needed to do their jobs. His co-workers still remember him as being incredibly cool under pressure and always focused on getting the job done right. Many of his co-workers say Barry was the "best pump operator" the department ever had, and others recalled his exploits in the kitchen, jovially remembering the days he cooked blackened fish for his crew.
For a few decades, he also ran his own fire extinguisher business, Sequoia Fire Extinguisher Service, but later sold to International Fire Equipment, working as an independent contractor for them. Known to always be early, no matter what the weather was like, rain, shine, or snow, Barry was sure to arrive wearing shorts. Tardiness and long pants were his kryptonite.
Barry had the gift for good conversation and made friends wherever he went. He had a huge heart, often giving money or buying food for those in need, donating to multiple charities and coaching youth sports. Barry was a highly awarded soccer coach and mentor to many of Sonoma County's young women for nearly 30 years, leading local club and travel teams in Petaluma, Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. He also coached high school teams at Rancho Cotati, Petaluma and Piner. His many coaching honors included Petaluma Youth Soccer League 2004 Girls' Coach of the Year, CYSA 2011 Girls' State Coach of the Year, California D3 Coach of the Year while coaching for Empire Soccer Club and In addition to coaching, Barry was on the Board of the Rohnert Park Soccer Club, finishing his tenure as President, and held positions at the state level. And if this was not enough, he also was a referee for several years.
In addition to coaching, Barry spent his golden years as a Parking Enforcement Officer with the Healdsburg Police Department, acting as a de facto ambassador for the department as his canvassed the town, loosely enforcing parking laws and happily interacting with the community. He enjoyed his time with the Healdsburg Police Department so much he often said he would have done the job for free. Barry was also a volunteer for the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety and for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.
Barry was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Comerford; his brother, Timothy Comerford and his cherished son, Kelly Joseph Comerford.
Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Michelle A. Comerford, his adored twin sons, Kevin (Kimberly) Comerford and Scott Comerford; and his loving stepdaughters, Erika (Stephen) Gendreau and Monika (Joel) Larson; treasured granddaughters Hayden Larson, Payton Larson, Addison Gendreau, Simone Gendreau and Isabel Comerford; and his brother, Sean (Vivian) Comerford, nieces Erin Comerford Riel and Christie Yuki Comerford, and nephews Ian Comerford and Kristopher Comerford.
Barry's love for his three sons, Kelly, Kevin and Scott was insurmountable. He also helped raise his two stepdaughters (Erika and Monika) and was enamored with his five granddaughters (Hayden, Payton, Addison, Simone and Isabel.)
Barry and Michelle lived together in Rohnert Park for over 20 years before moving to Windsor in 2010, They loved traveling together, "glamping" in their trailer, exploring local wineries, and enjoying the company of friends and family.
Like many of the San Francisco Firefighters that he worked with, Barry passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. His passing was well-timed, coinciding with the 45th birthday of his recently pre-deceased son, Kelly. Barry's final act in life was to be with his son, Kelly, on his birthday.
Barry's life and legacy will be honored in a Memory of Life celebration to be held in the very near future on a date to be announced. We look forward to sharing our collective memories and stories of him at this time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Redwood Gospel Mission or to the Sonoma County Humane Society.