WILLIAM C. BARRY

WELLS – William C. Barry of Blackberry Lane, passed away Oct. 5, 2003, after a brief but extremely well fought battle against cancer. He was born a beloved son of Fredrick K. Barry and C. Maxine Barry in Bangor, May 21, 1958. He grew up in Bangor on Center St., and attended local Bangor schools until high school, when he moved to Brewer and graduated from Brewer High School. After graduation in 1976, Bill attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, graduating in 1980. Bill was employed until the time of his passing at the Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard as a health physicist. He received many awards for his outstanding work and was often recognized for his great work ethic. He was a fair and moral man who applied his sense of fair play whenever he was presented a difficult situation. Bill was an unassuming man who was loved and respected by his friends, family and co-workers. He will be remembered for his quiet humor and his ability to endear himself to the hearts of all who met him. He was full of life and fun loving. He was well respected and loved by his peers. His office mates made daily “group” calls to Bill during his illness, which was a tremendous source of joy and support. Bill was a devout catholic and was a member of the St. Mary’s parish family. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Ellen, and a compassionate and loving father to his sons William Jr. and Joseph. He loved and cared for his wife and children above all other things. He was a true family man who chose time with his family above time for personal hobbies. Bill was comforted during his illness to see the outpouring for love and support that he, his wife and children received from both their church community and from the community of Wells. He would tell his wife how it eased his mind to hear the phone ring and know it would be still another outpouring of love. Bill loved sports and was a notorious Chicago Cubs Fan. He excelled in softball and was a pitching legend for many years for the Rad Con Rangers in the Portsmouth Navel Ship Yard softball league. He found his love of softball while in his teens in Bangor. He often remembered fondly playing on the Napoli Pizza team as well as the Gold Star Cleaners team. He also played for the Zippy Copy team from Sanford. His very fondest sports memories will always be of his days coaching his sons in the recreational basketball leagues. He was as avid golfer who loved the challenge of the game but played with the patience and even temperament that are the trademark of a great golfer. He achieved a golfer’s greatest accomplishment when he sunk a hole in one on June 13, 1999, while golfing with his oldest son. The joy of that moment was truly enhanced because his son William was there with him to share it. He was predeceased by his father, Fredrick K. Barry; and his daughter, Megan Catherine Barry. Bill is survived by his wife of 17 years, Ellen (Murchison) Barry; his sons, William Jr. and Joseph; his mother, Maxine Barry; brother, Fred Barry; sister, Margo Barry-Grant; brother-in-law, Rod Grant; several nieces and nephews, as well as by the many friends that he had. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Road, Wells. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Eldridge Road, Wells. Interment will be in Ocean View Cemetery. Arrangements by Bibber Memorial Chapel.