NATICK: John B. Barry, 84, of Natick, Massachusetts, passed away at home with his six children by his side on February 19, 2016 following a valiant battle with glioblastoma multiforme, a form of brain cancer. John was predeceased by his cherished wife, Joyce M. (Wilcox) Barry, in 2004. Devoted father of Maureen McKinnon (Arthur) of Bouckville, NY, John Barry, Jr (Donna) of Millis, Michael Barry (Donna) of Holliston, Katherine Kneebone (Robert) of Swanton, VT, Patricia Greenwood (Daniel) of Wayland and Peter Barry of Buford, GA. Loving grandpa to Christopher and Kirsten Barry, Rachael, Lauren and Robert Kneebone, Sean and Colleen Barry, Jessica and Nicholas Greenwood and Hannah and Aiden Barry. Devoted great grandfather to Caiden, Erin and Jordan Tatro and Lilly Barry. Beloved brother of Helen Gaudette of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and the late Marjorie Barry.
John was born on December 4, 1931 to Rita (Hayes) and Guy Barry of Watertown. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard on the Coos Bay out of Portland, ME from 1951-1954. After his service in the Coast Guard he attended Boston College, graduating in 1957. Shortly after graduation, John married the love of his life, Joyce Marie Wilcox of Alford, MA. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage, raising their six children, traveling, antiquing and especially doting on their grandchildren.
John was employed as a salesman with Hallmark Cards, Inc., retiring in 1989. While employed with Hallmark, John was known for his integrity and was well respected by his clients and his fellow colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. Following his retirement from Hallmark, John realized he wasn’t ready to be home all the time. He felt he wanted a job where he could meet interesting people and travel the roads again, so he embarked on a new career by becoming a driver for Boston Coach.
John loved the game of golf, playing it whenever he could with his sons, grandsons and with friends. His wife’s love of antiques and their travels to shows, introduced John to collecting antique postcards which became his next career, soon becoming an expert on New England Postcards.
Following his wife’s death in 2004, John’s children and grandchildren rallied around their dad and grandfather to keep him company, listen to his wonderful stories, laugh with him, seek his guidance and to just sit quietly with him. Sunday morning coffee and discussion took place every Sunday at the Barry house in Natick, MA. After he was diagnosed this past October, his six children never left him alone from then on and take great comfort knowing they were there when he took his last breath. This is a testament to the love and values we were taught by the parents we were blessed to have.
Visitations will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Rte 30), Wayland.
Family and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:30 am at St. Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street (Rte 135), Natick.
Interment will follow in the Barry family lot in Glenwood Cemetery in South Natick.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Natick Visiting Nurse Association, Inc., Attention: Development Department, 209 West Central Street, Suite 313 Natick, MA 01760 or by going to [email protected] or to Good Shepherd Community Care, 90 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459 or by going to gscommunitycare.org.