John S. Barry

John S. Barry, 86, of Hockessin Delaware passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

John was born in New York City, New York on March 13, 1938, to John and Elizabeth (Mahoney) Barry.  While growing up in New York with his three older siblings, John participated in many sports with basketball being his main focus. He spent summers in Cork City, Ireland where family roots run deep. John attended the University of Delaware where he graduated in 1962 with a BA in Economics.  John excelled in sports at UD and lettered three years in both lacrosse and basketball. In his senior year, he was named co-captain of the basketball team, which he would call “the best basketball team UD ever had.”  John also met his wife Pat at the University of Delaware where they made many lifelong friends and decided to make Newark, Delaware their home.  They eventually moved to Hockessin to raise their four children.

John had extensive experience in the finance field.  He spent twenty-one years as a Financial Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer managing the Treasury & Accounting Functions of Madison Fund Inc.  John also served on several Boards and Committees including Director and Chairman of the Trust & Investment Committee for Mellon Bank, Board of Trustees for St Francis Hospital for nine years and subsequently was appointed to the Borad of Trustees for Franciscan Health System. In addition, John was appointed to the New Castle County Financial Council and participated on the UD Capital Campaign Committee for the Bob Carpenter Center, to name a few. 

As a master storyteller, John had a knack for captivating audience with his tales weaving in humor and wisdom effortlessly.  He cherished spending time with his family and friends, whether it was sharing laughs over lunch, unwinding with drinks at Klondike’s and Grain, enjoying family beach week or hosting the backyard family reunions. He also treasured the camaraderie of the New York Group, appreciating times spent in their company. John took great delight in dinners and vacations with the Gourmet Group, where many memories were made. Unsurprisingly, he and Pat attended UD football and basketball games.  They were dedicated season ticket holders for both sports and only missed two home football games in the first thirty years after they graduated. 

John being a proud Poppy aka Poppers enjoyed his seven grandchildren immensely and attended their many sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, and other important life events.  He will be truly missed. 

His beloved wife of 58 years, Patricia A. (Fowler) Barry, passed away on July 5, 2019.  John is survived by his children: Beth M. Barry (Craig), Tricia M. Nowocin (Ray), Jack C. Barry (Beth), and Maureen N. Barry; his grandchildren Rachel (Nowocin) Morley (Brian), Caitlin Barry, Madison Keister, Samantha Barry, Alexa Nowocin, Kevin Keister, Kristin Keister as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, John was predeceased by his siblings: Liam Barry, Maura Henderson, and Catherine O’Connell.

Our family would like to thank the staff at the The Summit Retirement Community and Accent Care Hospice for the amazing and compassionate care they provided for dad.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Monday, April 15 from 4:00-6:00PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin on Tuesday, April 16 at 10:00AM, immediately followed by interment in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the American Cancer Society. (www.cancer.org)

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