Robert J. Barry

West Brookfield/Auburn - Robert “Bob” John Barry, native of Auburn, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 7, 2016.  Born to Robert “Pat” and Isabelle (Parmenter) Barry, he attended school in Auburn before graduating from Marietta College in Ohio.  Bob married his high school sweetheart Sueann “Susie” Sigmund, and had two daughters;   Kristie (Barry) Parisee married to Pete Parisee of Killingworth, CT, and Lynn (Barry) Corfey married to Raymond “Francis” Corfey of West Brookfield, MA. 

Bob and Sue moved to Arkansas then Maryland, before returning back to family in Auburn, while Bob furthered his career as an actuarial consultant.  After moving to a horse farm in West Boylston for several years, they settled in Charlton to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Bob reached his goal of retiring at age 55 and became an avid golfer.  He enjoyed his “games with the boys” at Pleasant Valley Country Club and all of the “side bets” as well.  (He would want to say, again, “thank you for giving me all of your money”). 

Bob cherished his many roles, including son to Pat and Isabelle, and more recently to Normand “Pep” Raymond, and as brother (“protector”) to Ellen (Barry) Wenner and Nancy (Barry) Ford.

But the greatest loves in Bob’s life were his grandchildren; Olivia “Livie, #1” Corfey, Nadia “cutesicles” Rohlfs, Deming “Dem” Rohlfs, Sydney “Sydney Jeanne, #4” Corfey and Harrison “my only grandson” Rohlfs.  Bob was at his happiest when surrounded by his grandchildren.  He was a true Papa.

Throughout Bob’s life he touched so many hearts.  He was brilliant, kind, funny, successful, and recently described as very fair.  He was well respected as a mentor, friend, softball coach, swim lesson instructor to his grandkids, grill master, hole in 1 (x3) titleholder, exceptional mathematician, great story teller and above all else…a wonderful father and example of who to be and how to treat others.

Bob always felt honored to have the love and support of friends and family throughout his life.  As his early onset Alzheimer’s disease progressed his genuine personality continued to attract others, including a new “BFF/pen pal” Christine.  He would want to give special thanks to Sarah and Katie - “You are the best,” and to Lori and Bill “Jim” for the peace and care they brought to all of us during his final days.

In addition to this long and costly obituary in which he would not be thrilled with…he never wanted anyone to be sad or stand over him and grieve.  He considered his to be a blessed life and thus would want to welcome his friends and family to come and celebrate his life at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, where he had many wonderful moments.  This memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15, at 1:30 PM followed by an adult luncheon.  Please come to share memories of an extraordinary man who will be greatly missed.  “He has risen indeed!”