John Francis Barry

Born June 8, 1927, in Willimantic, CT, son of the late Patrick and Rosa (Giraca) Barry. John attended Windham High School, where he was a star athlete in baseball and basketball. At 17 years old, John proudly enlisted in the US Navy to serve his country in WWII. He served in the Navy from 1945 to 1950. After his service he returned to Connecticut and attended the University of Connecticut. John subsequently decided that the US Air Force was his calling and he re-entered the service through the UConn ROTC program.

During his 22 years in the USAF John was stationed at many bases around the U.S. and served in Vietnam from 1969 - 1970. He was very proud to say that he served his country in active duty during WWII, the Korean conflict, and the Vietnam War. Of all his military stops, his favorite base was Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, FL, where he met and fell in love with Eloise.

During his time in the military John enjoyed continuing his education by taking college classes at local schools. He eventually graduated from Omaha University in 1964.

Shortly after his retirement from 27 years of military service in 1974, John and Eloise moved to Brandon, FL. In Brandon, he was a loyal parishioner at Nativity Catholic Church, where he generously and regularly donated baby items and rice to their Outreach Food Pantry.

John spent many joyful days with his golf buddies at MacDill Air Force Base golf club. He was also a long time member of the BPOE. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, making or fixing things. He was always ready to lend a hand to neighbors, family, and friends. He loved telling stories, many about his adventures while in the Air Force, or enthusiastically discussing investments or the issues of the day. He loved being with his friends, at dinners, for a game of golf, or an occasional poker night.

John leaves behind his brother Philip Barry (wife Lena) and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his lifelong best friend and cousin, Patrick Harrington (wife Janet). John was predeceased by his sister Pauline (Barry) Nault, a niece Kathy (Nault) Socha, and a step-son Jimmy Jones.

Later in life he was very thankful to have helping hands and care from Ron, Lloyd, Arnie, and especially Kim. He was also grateful for the assistance and friendship he and Eloise received from Karen.

A visitation for John will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Nativity Outreach of Brandon. https://www.nativitycatholicchurch.org/food

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Barry family.