Joel Barries

1933 - 2023

Barries

Joel Barries 1933 - 2023

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, Joel Barries of Annapolis, MD. Cherished husband of Sheri Barries; proud and loving father of Tamara Mazzola and Drew Barries (Hadeel); Adoring PopPop of Zachary Mazzola, Dr. Amanda Rodman (Josh), Emily and Amber Barries; grateful great-grandfather of Zohar and Lior Rodman.

Born in Detroit, he moved to San Diego as a teen. He graduated from San Diego State University, and earned a master's degree from American University. A proud veteran, Joel served as a Marine Captain during the Korean War.

Joel lived most of his adult life In Bowie and then Crofton, Maryland. He was a man with a wonderful, distinctive sense of humor, and with many interests – handball, skiing, kayaking, Bridge, and traveling. But his main interest always, was his wife Sheri. They were married 65 years and grew closer every year. He died while holding her hand.

He had a long and distinguished career working for the federal government. His first position was with the U.S. Department of Labor. He went on to a long tenure at the National Science Foundation, where he served as Senior Economist.

Retirement from the federal government could not slow Joel down. Post retirement, he served as Executive Director of the United States Commission for the Preservation of Americas Heritage Abroad, working to identify historic sites of importance to Americans who trace their heritage to Eastern and Central Europe. Joel worked tirelessly with religious and government leaders in the US and overseas to preserve and protect these sites. Numerous cemeteries, houses of worship and Holocaust sites have been saved in remembrance of those vibrant and vital souls who were lost in the hate and violence of the last century. Joel described his time at the Commission as, "his greatest and most fulfilling work."

His cherished friend and colleague Michael Lewan said of Joel, "Professionally he was the finest I ever worked with. Smart, visionary, empathetic and a real problem solver. Personally, a dear and loyal friend. Joel leaves this world a better place."

The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Maryland Veterans' Cemetery in Crownsville (1122 Sunrise Beach Rd).

In accordance with Jewish tradition, please no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126).