John "Jack" Barry

John (Jack) Barry of South Hadley, died on May 19, 2020. There will be a celebration of Jack’s wonderful life on June 4, 2021 at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home in Holyoke.

He lived in South Hadley with his parents, Charles and Mary Barry, and his three brothers. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and entered service in 1945, missing his high school graduation. When he was to be discharged, doctors discovered he had developed tuberculosis while in service. Instead of going home, Jack was hospitalized and began the long road to recovery. He enjoyed a long career with the U.S. Post Office, initially as a letter carrier and spending the last 25 years of his career as the South Hadley Postmaster. Jack presided over the dedication of the Mary Lyon Stamp on the Mount Holyoke College Campus where Dr. Elizabeth Green conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Letters.

After retiring, he turned next to music, learning how to play the autoharp. Now he was ready, playing with bands or solo, at parties or hospitals. He particularly enjoyed playing at local nursing homes or rehabilitation hospitals, bringing music and quick wit to those who were shut-in. His pleasant tenor voice, Irish wit, and storytelling were something to behold.
Eventually, the music stopped and the artwork began. A friend once noted: “Everywhere I go I see traces of him – doctors’ offices, business offices, the Soldiers’ Home.” Hundreds were given away in friendship, as thank-you’s, and for the joy of laughter. In 1987, 400 people attended a surprise testimonial for Jack at Wykoff Park in Holyoke, in recognition of his many years of volunteer work and for just being himself.

Jack married Dorothea Connor, in August 1949, a marriage lasting for nearly 71 years. He is survived by Dot, his two children: John (Jeff) Barry, his wife Janice, their daughter Danielle of Granby; Jack’s daughter Kate Gadbois and her husband Joseph of Westfield, their sons: Barry Gadbois and his wife Meaghan of Windham, NH; and Daniel Gadbois and his wife Danielle of Delmar, New York, and great-grandchildren Abigail, John, and Connor. He is also survived by his brother Richard Barry of Virginia and wife Linda, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Commander Charles Barry (USN, ret) and Neil Barry.

Jack loved fishing, especially along the banks of the Deerfield River, golfing with his wife at The Orchards Golf Course, family vacations at the shore, whether Cape Cod or Maine, several cruises, but most of all, trips to his beloved Ireland where he kissed the Blarney Stone – unnecessary but he did it!
Jack has left behind a trail of friends from everyone at the “dump” to the Big Y, Atkins, or wherever he set foot. He filled the world with laughter and brought smiles to everyone. Jack loved helping people, total strangers, always looking for them. Jack, you made the world sing! In his memory, make someone happy, make someone smile!

Jack is being honored with landscaping at his beloved Post Office. Flowering trees and perennials are being planted in his memory. Donations may be sent to the John G. Barry Memorial Fund c/o Peoples Bank, South Hadley.

Calling hours at the funeral home on Friday, June 4 will begin at 9:30 am, and the celebration of life ceremony will follow at 11:30 am.

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