Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Barry Johnson Obituary
WORCESTER - Barry T. Johnson, 51, of Worcester, died at home after a long illness on Saturday, February 1, 2014 surrounded by his family and close friends.
Barry leaves his loving wife Renée (Fraser) Johnson, and his daughter Madeleine R. Johnson, a fountain of great pride and joy to Barry.
He also leaves two sisters-in-law, Rosemary Ford and her husband Paul, and Rita Atkinson and her husband James; four brothers-in-law, Robert Fraser and his wife Kathleen, Richard Fraser and his wife Susan, Ronald Fraser and his wife Joanna, and Russell Fraser; and 13 nieces and nephews, Kristin and Brittany; Jonathan and Clint; Julia and James; Sean, Kaitlyn and Luke; Myles and Lauren; and Christopher and Andrew.
Barry's mother Joyce (Carroll) Johnson died in 2009. His nephew Zachary Ford died in 2011. Mae Smith, a close longtime family friend, died in 2001.
Barry was born in Worcester. He graduated from the Bancroft School in Worcester and Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.
Barry was a systems analyst at Kronos, a workforce management company. For several years, Kronos has been flexible and supportive of Barry throughout the changes to his health.
The important story about Barry has been his courageous response to the multiple illnesses that have challenged him over the past ten years. He was steadfast in his determination to live life fully, and to accept and overcome each setback to his health. He remained positive and optimistic. He was always gracious, showing his concern for his family and friends, and encouraging them to appreciate life.
Barry was a dedicated outdoorsman. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and trapping.
Barry was inspired and delighted by his many visits with Renée and Maddie to Dover Point in New Hampshire. His love of his family will never be forgotten.
Barry's family thanks Dr. John Koreth and the supportive staff at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for their skilled and compassionate care.
Calling hours are Monday, February 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Tuesday, February 4 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zachary Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Peter Central Catholic School, 865 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barry Johnson
March 2, 2014
To the Johnson Family:
I was so saddened to hear about Barry. Although I have not seen him in years, he holds a special place in my heart as I was a classmate of his at Bancroft from Kindergarten through the beginning of highs school. He was one of the nicest and most genuine kids in our class, helpful and considerate and fun to be around. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
Heather Davenport
Swanzey, NH
Terence Fogarty
February 20, 2014
My sincerest condolences to Barry's family. I knew and worked with Barry many times over the past 15+ years and had tremendous respect for him professionally and personally as he faced his challenges. The world is less without him and his positive and cheerful disposition.
Mark Berling
February 13, 2014
Renee and Madeleine, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Barry. Barry was a customer of mine at CitiStreet and Comcast and was a pleasure to work with. I remember doing a presentation in September 2004 and noticed the yellow LiveStrong bracelet he was wearing. In a future conversation he mentioned he had surgery at MGH on 8/31 of that year for cancer. I had surgery the very same day for Melanoma at MGH.
Barry continued to fight his disease and I believe his choice of treatments and positive attitude allowed him to live much longer than many others.
He was always upbeat and mentioned how much he loved being with his family.
Our prayers will continue to be with you during this difficult time.
February 11, 2014
Renee: Thinking of you and your daughter at this time. I am so sorry. Janice England
John and Karen Maki
February 7, 2014
Dear Renee and Maddie,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Barry was such a fine gentleman, certainly one of the nicest we have ever met. We are grateful, however, that we had a chance to visit with all of you in November. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Ann Franco
February 5, 2014
Dear Renee, Madeline and family,
So sorry to hear that your dear husband and father passed away. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. May you find comfort from family and friends.
Mary Ann and Paul Franco and family
leif rosseland
February 4, 2014
You'll be greatly missed.
Sue Poirier
February 4, 2014
My deepest sympathy to all who knew Barry, especially Renee and Maddie. Working with Barry was such a pleasure. He had such a great sense of humor and a huge love for life. He always spoke so lovingly of 'his girls'. He was always talking about how awesome Maddie is and how proud he is of her. He was also thankful for Renee. May the love he has for you two last in your hearts forever.
Karen Banks
February 4, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time. Barry was a special person. Dave has so many great memories of Barry growing up.
Dave and Karen Banks
Gretchen & Bill Ohrenberger
February 4, 2014
Dear Renee, we are so sorry. You and Madeleine are in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Sincerely, Gretchen and Bill Ohrenberger
Beth, Paul, Paul Jr., and Matthew Lambert
February 3, 2014
Dear Renee and Maddie,
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in our prayers. It seems impossible to think of your family without him, but we know he is in you and he will be with you in everything you do.
Thinking of you with saddened hearts.
Phil Nute
February 3, 2014
Renee and Maddie I guess God needed an angel to help him get the rest of us through the tough times in life. I have never been more priviliged in my life than to have Barry as a close friend and as close to a brother as could be. I will miss our chats and that positive attidtude that I loved so dearly. I will regret most of all not being able to have him here in Alaska to spend some time on the mine claim and fishing the Klutina River together. He will surely be missed by all who knew him and his keen wit and sensce of humor no matter what the circumstance.
I will keep him in my heart and mind forever.
Love you guys
Phil
Tony Radanovics
February 3, 2014
Dear Renee and Maddie,
I'm heartbroken to hear that Barry is no longer here to share stories with, about daughters and love of his trapping. I always got a chuckle from his adventures and take on things especially beaver trapping. He had such a joy for life and lived it well.
I worked with Barry at Kronos and he was fond of the “Uncle Tony's dry rub” so much so he made sure I made more when he ran out. I will miss his enthusiasm and friendship.
May you and Maddie find comfort and solace knowing that Barry was one of a kind, loved you both dearly and were always in his thoughts.
Tony Radanovics
Tony Radanovics
February 3, 2014
Dear Renee and Maddie,
I'm heartbroken to hear that Barry is no longer here to share stories with, about daughters and love of his trapping. I always got a chuckle from his adventures and take on things especially beaver trapping. He had such a joy for life and lived it well.
I worked with Barry at Kronos and he was fond of the “Uncle Tony's dry rub” so much so he made sure I made more when he ran out. I will miss his enthusiasm and friendship.
May you and Maddie find comfort and solace knowing that Barry was one of a kind, loved you both dearly and were always in his thoughts.
Tony Radanovics
Christopher & Rosemarie Ward
February 3, 2014
Renee, Sorry for your Loss. Barry was a wonderful human being who will be missed by all. He always had a kind word and that huge smile. Always enjoyed his wit at your family events. My wife Rose said it best, "What a nice guy" I was blessed to have a neighbor like you, you were always a hero to me since you saved my dog's life in front of your house and treated my family and I so well. Hang in there, and You will always be a hero to me.
Mariama Paquette
February 3, 2014
Renee and Maddie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Barry was an amazing friend & co worker and will be missed. My Condolences to the famaily.
Tony Radanovics
February 3, 2014
Dear Renee and Maddie,
I'm heartbroken to hear that Barry is no longer here to share stories with, about daughters and love of his trapping. I always got a chuckle from his adventures and take on things especially beaver trapping. He had such a joy for life and lived it well.
I worked with Barry at Kronos and he was fond of the “Uncle Tony's dry rub” so much so he made sure I made more when he ran out. I will miss his enthusiasm and friendship.
May you and Maddie find comfort and solace knowing that Barry was one of a kind, loved you both dearly and you two were always in his thoughts.
Tony Radanovics
Carol Rock
February 3, 2014
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Barry after his relentless battle against cancer. He was a warm and wonderful co-worker with us at Kronos and he will be greatly missed.
May God bless his family and close friends during this difficult time of grief and reflection. He will remain happy in your hearts forever.
Ric Dumais
February 3, 2014
Barry was a person that always spoke kindly about everyone. He had wit and a story that made every exchange interesting. I hope knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten brings you comfort.
Sherri Epstein
February 3, 2014
Renee and Maddie,
We feel blessed to know Barry and his warm and caring ability to see the bright side of everything. Please know that we wish you strength during these times of sorrow and pray that the happy memories replace the pain that you feel today.
Warmly,
Sherri, Jessica and Rachel
Eryn Brown
February 3, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Barry was such a sweet guy and wonderful to work with. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.
Jerry Boucher
February 3, 2014
Although I did not work directly with Barry, I spoke with him often. He was one of the kindest and gentlest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed at Kronos. My condolences to his family, and may you find strength in the memories of your life with Barry
February 3, 2014
So Sorry for your loss. Barry always had a positive outlook and had chats with him at lunchtime at Kronos. What a wonderful person to know.
Liz and Tim Murphy
February 2, 2014
Dear Renee , Tim and I express our deepest sympathies at this sad time. Know that you and your daughter are in our prayers. Liz and Tim Murphy
Erin Bishop
February 2, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with Barry's family during this difficult time. It was really nice to work with him, he will be missed.
Joe & Angela Fenter
February 2, 2014
Renee and Maddie
Our love and prayers are with you. We'll miss him so much yet we know we'll see him again.
February 2, 2014
Dear Renee and Maddie, we are so sad to hear that Barry has passed. Phil is having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that Phil never made it back east to spend more time with his most treasured friend. Barry was a very strong man and I can only hope that I am able take his lessons of optimism and strength with me in my life's journey. He was also a very blessed man to have you gals in his life rooting him on, stay strong and know that Phil and myself are praying for you all and thinking of you always! You are thought of with much love, Phil & Kim Nute
February 2, 2014
Renee,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts during the difficult days to come. Take care.
Ray Murphy
February 2, 2014
Renee and Maddie, My Deepest Sympathy to you both, during this sad time. Barry was a special guy because of his great strength and postive outlook on life. I feel lucky to have known him.
Love,
Nancy Welsh
Darius and Barbara Baba
February 2, 2014
Renee and naddie, we are so sad to hear of Barry's passing.He is at peace now. May the days ahead fill you both with pleasant memories of a loving husband and Dad. Darius and Barbara
Stacy Stephenson
February 2, 2014
Renee,
I am so very sorry to hear of Barry's passing. I wish you and Maddie peace and healing in the days ahead.
Much love
Stacy McManus Stephenson
Amy, Kevin, Sean & Catelyn O'Farrell
February 2, 2014
Renee and Maddie - The O'Farrells are deeply saddened to hear of Barry's passing. I remember him as such an optimistic and positive person who loved his family so much. Always willing to lend a helping hand, especially at SPCC events. Know that all our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time and that a special angel is watching over you.
Joan & Jim Greece
February 2, 2014
Renee and Maddie: MY husband and I were very good friends with Barry's Mom . I actually worked with her for years, so therefore I knew Barry as a little shaver and watched him grow up into a fine man. Joyce was so proud of Barry and so excited to be a mother-in-law and grandmother. My most heartfelt sympathy go to both of you.
JoAnne Mulhern Bullock
February 2, 2014
Dear Renee, My deepest sympathy in reading of your husband's passing, I do understand the strength you both had over the years of his illness. Your faith and the support of all of the Frasers will help to move you forward. Sending love and prayers from the Mulhern family.
Mindy Hill
February 2, 2014
Renée and Maddie,
Our heart is deeply saddened by the loss of Barry. Prayers are sent for him and your entire family..
Todd & Mindy, Kershia &Zack , Hailey
Wendy Liddy
February 1, 2014
Renee & Maddie:
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy to you both. I will always remember Barry as one of the few true gentlemen I've had the honor of knowing! He exemplified strength, determination and an outlook on life second to none.
You are truly blessed to have had him as husband and father in your family, and while I know there are no magic words at this time, may you find some comfort knowing you have the love, sympathy and support of those who love you, and who loved Barry. Andrew admired Uncle Barry in so many ways, and shares in your sadness.
Hugs, strength and peace to you both -
Wendy
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
Make a Donation
in Barry Johnson's name
Memorial Events
for Barry Johnson
How to support Barry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Barry Johnson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
