WILMINGTON, MA — Leo G. Barry, age 92, of Wilmington, died peacefully on January 4, 2017, at the Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Chelmsford. Leo’s charm and personality with the staff and other patients earned him the title of being the “Mayor” of Sunny Acres.
Leo was born on March 15, 1924 in Somerville, MA; he was the dear son of the late John D. and Julia M. (Crowley) Barry. Leo was raised and educated in Lexington, MA and a graduate of Lexington High School with the Class of 1941.
On December 13, 1942, Leo enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Leo proudly served with the 1108th AAF BU and was sent overseas in January of 1945; he earned several medals and commendations for his bravery and was honorably discharged on January 24, 1946.
Following his return from his Military Service, Leo went on to continue his education at Northeastern University and Bryan & Stratton where he earned a Business Degree.
Leo married the “love of his life” Kathleen “Kay” Davey on October 18, 1947; the couple shared more than 62 great years together before her passing in May of 2009. Leo and Kay moved to Wilmington in January of 1956 where they raised their six children. Leo loved to spend time with his family; they went on many camping trips, adventures to the beach, and had countless family gatherings which included their extended family. Leo loved to socialize with everyone and they always had a great time together. In his later years, Leo cherished his role as “Papa” and “Great-Papa”; he was always so proud of his family.
Prior to retiring, Leo worked at Western Electric Company in Watertown for more than 37 years. Leo’s knowledge of business, his great work ethic, and fine people skills allowed him to move up the ladder over the years. At the time of his retirement, Leo was the Data Processing Manager for the company.
Leo was a man of many hobbies and talents and was great behind the camera. Leo loved making home movies on the Super 8 films and he also produced some short stories which included musical backgrounds. Leo had quite a knack for restoring furniture and antiques and he loved to putter around the house.
In his spare time, Leo enjoyed going to the theatre, he loved show tunes, Broadway, the opera, and listening to Irish music. Leo was well read and quite a history buff who could engage in great conversations with people young and old.
Leo was a man of great faith who believed in God and lived his life per his beliefs; he was an active communicant at St. Thomas of Villanova Church for many years and a member of the Holy name society. Leo was active at the Paulist Center in Boston where he stood up for his beliefs and protested War in this country.
Leo will be remembered as a wonderful family man and a great friend to many. Leo had an outgoing personality, a great sense of humor, and was always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. He was certainly “one of a kind” and will be greatly missed.
Leo was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen “Kay” (Davey) Barry, devoted father of Michael Barry & wife Joanne Jaxtimer of Milton, Anne McGann & husband Bob of Burlington, Mary Barry Emerick of Wilmington, Kathy Callan of Tewksbury, Peggy Russo & husband Mike of Chelmsford and the late Robert Barry. Loving “Papa” of 9 Grandchildren and 12 Great-Grandchildren. Cherished son of the late John and Julia (Crowley) Barry, dear brother of Eileen Terrio of Peabody, the late John, Francis, James, and Kevin Barry. Leo is also survived by many nieces & nephews.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, January 9th from 10:00-11:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 12:00 noon. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers donations in Leo’s memory may be made to the Sunny Acres Nursing Home, 254 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA 01824.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
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