Barry Ware
February 16, 1949 – January 8, 2025
Barry Ware, 75, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at Lowell General Hospital after a short illness. Barry always wore a smile and thoroughly engaged those around him with calming ease and cheerful grace.
Born in Lowell, MA, on February 16, 1949, Barry was the beloved son of the late Robert and Margaret (Barry) Ware. He was raised in Chelmsford and graduated from Keith Academy in 1966. Barry went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Providence College in 1970 and later completed two master’s degrees, one at Salem State University and another at UMass Lowell.
Naturally inquisitive and nurturing, Barry dedicated his life to education, teaching for 35 years in the Chelmsford Public Schools at McCarthy Middle School and Chelmsford High School after a year at Bishop Guertin. He also taught computer courses at Rivier College and UMass Lowell. As a teacher, Barry was widely respected for his dedication, talent, and ability to inspire students. His love of learning, which was infectious, extended beyond the classroom not only to the routines of daily life, but also to exotic travels with the love of his life, his cherished wife, Karen A. (Sullivan) Ware.
Barry shared 49 wonderful years of marriage with Karen, with whom he was planning to celebrate their 50th anniversary this July. Their relationship was a testament to love and devotion, filled with countless memories of shared adventures, laughter, and quiet moments at their home of fifty years. Avid travelers, Barry and Karen explored the world together, embarking on over 100 cruises and visiting destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Highlights of their travels included the Maldives, Namibia, the Serengeti, the Seychelles, and Cuba. Annual trips to St. Maarten and Siesta Key were among their favorite traditions.
At home, Barry took joy in maintaining an immaculate house and yard that was always welcome to his neighbors. Barry loved playing golf and tennis, often hitting the golf course three times a week. He was a warm-hearted and generous man, forming lifelong friendships with his high school and Providence College classmates, Chelmsford High School friends, golf and ski buddies. Barry especially enjoyed spending time with his “grandchildren” Kevin, Maddie, Lulu, Charlotte, Sailor, and Sadie, who will always fondly recall many beautiful moments of mentorship, wonder, and undivided attention.
Barry was an active and dedicated member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Lowell, where he served as an usher. Moreover, Barry’s faith came alive in his everyday warmth, kindness, and generosity, and left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He had a gift for making people feel valued, and his legacy of love and positivity will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and former students.
Barry is predeceased by his parents, his older brother Robert Ware, and his in-laws, Frank and Theresa Sullivan. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Karen, and his nephews, Chris Ware and his wife Lynne of Chelmsford, and Greg Ware and his wife Heidi of San Francisco. He also leaves his grandnieces, Lulu, Charlotte, Sailor, and Sadie Ware; his cousin Donna Sullivan and her daughter Tarin and husband John McCabe; his younger brother Brian Ware and family; sister-in-law Barbara Ware and niece Meredith Ware.
Barry’s family would like to thank Lisa and Lee
Butler, Mary Fran Chisholm, Liz and Bill Keegan, Patti Fowler, Peter Mullin, Fr. Nicholas Sannella and all those friends, family and neighbors who offered their unwavering support and care during his illness. Special thanks go to the staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Lowell General Hospital, and Vantage Rehabilitation for their exceptional compassion and care.
In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Barry's memory to the Immaculate Conception Church Building Fund, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 or to The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701
You are welcome to attend his calling hours on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 10am until 1pm at the Immaculate Conception Church, 144 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852. His funeral Mass will take place at 1pm followed by procession to the Tewksbury Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA. www.tewksburyfuneralhome.com