Robert S. (Bob) Barry, of Georges Mills, NH, passed away unexpectedly, after a blessedly brief period of ill health, at Dartmouth Health on Wednesday July 13, 2022, at the age of 79 under the light of the Full Buck Moon.
Bob was born on August 17,1942 in Rumford ME to Irene (Burt) and Robert Barry. After graduating from Stevens High School in 1961, he immediately enlisted in the US Air Force.
In 1965 he met his wife Billie J. Lucas, on a blind date while stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio and they married shortly afterwards on Sept. 26, 1965. They moved to Marlow, NH in 1969 after the birth of their first daughter Brenda. In 1971 Bridget joined the family on Thanksgiving Day. In 1978 they moved to Georges Mills, drawn to the beauty and community of the Sunapee region.
Bob was one of the most hardworking, selfless men you could meet. He often worked multiple jobs and succeeded in various professions during his 56+ years of marriage, including at the Sturm Ruger factory and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. His last employment, which brought him great joy in retirement, was at Market Basket in Warner, NH where he worked up until his final days.
The great outdoors called to Bob, who relished any chance to go fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and spend time at the ocean. His generous nature meant he especially enjoyed introducing others to these pastimes. An original do-it-yourselfer, he also loved woodworking and repairing anything for anyone and making his own maple syrup. In his younger years he played an array of sports (including bowling, racquetball, tennis, basketball, volleyball) and even in his 70s he stayed active and looked forward to annual golf outings and cornhole games.
Surviving family members include his wife of over 56 years, Billie, daughter Brenda, daughter Bridget Drake and her family: son-in-law Joe, grandson Sam and granddaughter Abby. Other family members include his sister Joan (Lionel) Gauvin, brothers Rodney (Shirley) Barry, Allen (Penny) Barry, sister-in-law Anna (Bruce) Barry and sister-in-law Sue (Glenn) Karshner. His loss will be deeply felt by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended relatives and friends from all walks of life-too many to name. Bob was predeceased by his beloved mother, an infant brother, his brother Bruce, and his niece Lisa, as well as his loved parents’ in-law, Bill and Izzy Lucas.
There will be an open-air celebration of Bob’s life Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 29 Cottage Lane, Canaan NH. All are invited, rain or shine, to gather along the shores of Canaan St. Lake, from 10AM-1PM, with service starting at 11AM. Please bring your own seating/camp chairs.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation to your favorite charity in Bob’s memory; veterans’ needs, animal welfare and Cleveland Clinic were near and dear to his heart.
May we all be able to say, as Bob sincerely and often stated: “I’ve lived a good life.”