Passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92 on New Year's Day, 2016. A devout Catholic with a love for life, he went straight to Heaven. He is survived by his adored wife of 62 years, Eleanor Elizabeth Arnold Barry, his very much-loved six children: Diane (Barry) Welch, Sally (John) Cella, Daniel Barry III, Pat (Chris) Barry, Polly (Jon) Paulsen, Kevin (Maureen) Barry, his cherished grandchildren (Erin, Lauren, Shannon, John, Christina, Mark, Keenan, Maddie, Will, Nick, Owen, Sarah, Spencer, Kiara, Billy, Daniel and Izzy) all of whom had the great fortune of having him be an integral part in each of their lives, his three great-grandchildren who had the incredible gift of his presence, and his loving sister, Mary McSweeney.

A true San Franciscan, Bill was named "the most beautiful baby of the year" by the San Francisco Examiner in 1923. He attended St. Cecilia's Grammar School, St. Ignatius College Preparatory, and The University of San Francisco. He graduated from Gonzaga University and the University of Iowa, School of Dentistry.

Bill joined the Navy while at Gonzaga University, graduated pre-dental, then while attending a Naval Boot Camp, got the opportunity to go to the University of Iowa Dental School through Military support. After practicing Dentistry he entered into the Korean War twice as Captain and a Dentist along the front lines in a MASH unit. Bill founded a dental practice at 450 Sutter, which continues today with his sons, Kevin and Dan. He served as the President of the SF Dental Society, and was an honorary graduate of The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry.

He was a competitive athlete at S.I. playing football, baseball and basketball then a collegiate basketball player at USF and Gonzaga where he was a member of the famous 43/44 Bulldog winning basketball team, and elected into the Gonzaga Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill, a SF Giants fan, played golf, loved tennis and skiing, and for the past 60 years was a member of the Olympic Club which he lovingly called his "second home".
Bill worked incredibly hard throughout his accomplished career yet for him, his greatest achievement and ultimate joy was his family. There are countless memories from his well-lived life that his family will cherish: The Barry Bunch cramming in the back of the Rambler for summers in Marin, skiing at Boreal, summers at Tahoe Taverns, trips to Disneyland and Aptos, trips to Europe with his wife, and golf adventures in Ireland. Bill always brought his sense of fun and excitement to the family outings and celebrations. All who knew him will miss him dearly. If you never heard "You're the greatest", you never met Bill. He was an amazing storyteller with one of the best laughs, a devoted father, a real gentleman, and quite simply, one of the nicest guys in the world. In Bill's own words, "Here's to you, for you and away from you. If you ever get to it, don't leave it, because you may never get there again."

A special thanks goes out to Adele, Zaneida and Shirley who cared for Bill over the past year.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 11:00am at St. Brendan Church, 29 Rockaway Avenue, San Francisco.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 7 to Jan. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Barry

Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.

14 Entries

Linda Peterson Toth

January 2, 2020

One of my favorite people and I was lucky to have him as a beloved uncle. He was fun, caring and one of the warmest people I have ever met.

Jim Dunnigan

January 17, 2016

To the Barry Family,
I have such fond memories of growing up in San Francisco with the Barry family and St. Brendan's School. Walking down from our house on 9th avenue past Castenada Street on our way to school. I remember the corner where the Examiner papers were left for delivery. (Remember paper routes?) I remember going skiing with the Barry's at Boreal Ridge. Kids piled in the back of the station wagon- no seatbelts of course! Bill was always so gentle, calling his kids "honey" is a memory as well. He was my dentist and his gentleness carried over to his profession as well! My sympathies to the family. He was a great man, great father, and fabulous husband.

Jim Dunnigan
Seattle, WA

ADRIENNE JONAS

January 15, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy to the Barry family. Dr. Barry was my dentist for many, many years and now his son Kevin takes care of me. He was a very kind and gentle person.
Adrienne Jonas
San Francisco

Moira McGuinness Llewellyn

January 12, 2016

Keeping the Barry clan in my every thought and prayer with the loss of beloved cousin Bill.Sending only my best love. Always, Moira

Jill Ertola Shustoff

January 11, 2016

We are sending our deepest condolences to Dr. Dan's family. Our connection spanned many generations, from my grandfather, to my father, to my husband and myself. Dr. Dan was the best dentist I had (except maybe my grandfather). During my visits to him on Sutter Street, he always had a smile, warm welcome and gentleness. My husband served on the Civil Grand Jury with him. His professionalism and concern for the city was admired by my husband, Mark. After many years, we would greet each other on West Portal and share great stories. Now, Dr. Dan is at peace after a long beautiful life. We are grateful to his family for sharing him with so many patients and citizens.

January 11, 2016

My condolences is to the Barry's family. Very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of sorrow, and be comfort by God'sWord at 1 Cor.15:26

Norman Dudum

January 10, 2016

To kevin and the entire Barry family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all..

Marilyn Shriner

January 10, 2016

Dear Dan, Kevin and family, I'm so sorry to hear this news. Your father sounds like an amazing person who made the most of life. I know he raised the most talented, caring and good humored dentists I've ever known. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Dawn & Nathan Chu

January 9, 2016

Dear Sally and John,

Please accept our condolences for the passing of Sally's father Dr. Daniel Barry.

The obituary of his life was so impressive.

Kind Regards,
Dawn and Nathan Chu

Linda & Dick Peterson

January 8, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers are with Eleanor all of you. What a lovely kind man and had such a sense of humor. He loved life and people and was truly loved.

Edward Lynch

January 8, 2016

Our best wishes and condolences to Eleanor Barry, Dan's six children and his many grandchildren. Dan was a terrific human being and a great dentist. Anyone who knew him was very lucky. He will be sorely missed by many people. His faith and his family always ranked first place with him. Our whole family will miss him.

The Watts

January 8, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to the Barry family. May you find comfort in drawing close to God, because he cares for you - 1st Peter 5: 7.

January 8, 2016

I AM SENDING MY MOST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY.PLEASE KNOW THAT GOD WILL COMFORT YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.HOSEA 13:14

Drs. Dennis & Eileen Aicardi

January 7, 2016

Our condolences to the Barry Family on the loss of their Loved One. May he Rest in Peace.May their Memories sustain them through their loss.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results