Richard P. Barry

Richard P. Barry, III, age 66, passed away peacefully in the Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canton, Massachusetts on Monday, August 28, 2017. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts on October 12, 1950, he was the son of the late Richard P. Barry, Jr. and Julia M. (Sullivan) Barry. He was raised in Brockton and at the young age of 4, he started to play the piano, which he loved playing throughout his life. As he grew up, he began working with his family at their commercial laundry business, Empire White Star Laundry in Brockton. Upon starting his studies at Brockton High School, Richard became interested in running cross country and track. He set course records throughout his high school career and was a member of the 1967 Cross Country New England Championship team. After graduating from Brockton High School with the Class of 1968, Richard completed a college preparatory year at St. Thomas More School in Connecticut, graduating in 1969. Richard then enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His love for running continued through his college career, as he ran varsity cross country and track at UMass. He graduated from UMass in 1974, earning his Bachelor's Degree with a focus in Sociology.

In 1976, he married his beloved Jane Fitzpatrick Barry on June 12 in the Magnolia area of Gloucester, Massachusetts. He took a job as a salesman at Steinway Piano and later took a position with the Berklee College of Music, working as a Dormitory Director. In addition to working full time, Richard continued to attend school, and in 1978 completed a certificate program in Marketing at Boston University. In 1979, he took the Public Relations Manager position at Lowell General Hospital. Richard and Jane made their home together in Walpole, Massachusetts in 1981, and in 1982, Richard graduated from Emerson College with his Master's Degree in Professional Writing. Earning his Master's allowed Richard to take a position with Keegan, Hudson, and Shansky, an advertising agency in Rhode Island, working as a Copy Writer.

In September 1987, Richard and Jane welcomed their daughter, Shannon. As a talented writer, Richard earned first place at the Ninth Wave Awards for his daughter's birth announcement. Richard's career flourished as he took an account executive position with Graham Communications, a marketing firm in Quincy, where in 1995 he was promoted to Vice President after winning first place at the South Shore Ad Club for best direct mail advertisement. Richard also enjoyed giving back to his community and frequently served as a columnist for the Walpole Times and Daily Transcript.

In the early 2000s, Richard became a member of the Toastmaster's Club and was eventually elected President, and also became an active participant in a local ping-pong league with his dear friend, Peter. He was a natural athlete, competing in running, swimming, biking, tennis, basketball, baseball, and skiing. His interests in athletics drew him into becoming an avid fan of the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox. Richard was creative in all areas of his life, which was reflected especially in his writing, art projects, landscaping, quick wit, and sense of humor. Above all else, he had a profound love of and natural talent for music, particularly the piano.

More than anything, Richard's family was always most important. He was a devoted husband to his wife Jane and proud father to his daughter Shannon. As a family, they were active members of the Walpole community, traveled extensively, and had great appreciation for friends and family.

In 2000, Richard started showing the signs of early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. Despite his diagnosis, Richard fought actively to remain involved in activities he loved and relate to those around him. He participated in a multi-year clinical trial for an early onset Alzheimer's Disease treatment, held at the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital. In 2012, he was commended by the Alzheimer's Association for raising funds through "Richard's Team" while walking in the Neponset Valley Alzheimer's Walk with family and friends. Even as his disease progressed and Richard's words and mobility diminished, he stayed connected to his surroundings and social with those around him, leaving a positive impact on all those who witnessed his strength and courage.

Beloved husband of Jane M. Fitzpatrick Barry.
Loving father of Dr. Shannon K. Barry of Walpole.
Brother of Sheila Aborn Lockwood and her husband Roger of Norwood and Kathleen M. Barry of North Attleboro.
Also survived by his dog, Fitzy, as well as his large extended family and many friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Richard's Life Celebration on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4-8 PM and Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Timothy's Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women's Hospital at www.brighamandwomens.org