Barry Nierengarten

Born February 13, 1956 and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Barry cherished his roots and spoke fondly of his youth where he and his Irish Catholic family ice fished and skied in the winter and spent joyful summers at Big Fish Lake.

In 1975, Barry’s family moved to Clearwater Beach, Florida, where they vacationed growing up, trading snowy winters for sweltering sunshine and salty breezes.

From 1974-1977 Barry proudly served in the United States Navy and was honored to work aboard the USS Sequoia Presidential Yacht during President Gerald Ford’s administration.

He was an accomplished, award-winning snow skier, with Lake Tahoe and Steamboat among his favorite places to carve through fresh powder. He also competed in numerous triathlons and mud runs. Tennis, swimming, biking — there was no form of exercise he did not enjoy.

Barry loved boating and spending time outdoors, and was a loyal Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning fan, always cheering on his teams with unwavering spirit.

A dedicated entrepreneur, Barry owned and operated a courier service with his business partner for 30 years before retiring in 2024.

His home was always a gathering place for family and friends. Barry loved to host, stay up late, and fill his home with laughter, music (preferably Tom Petty), dice games, iced cold beer, and the people he loved most. There was no gathering too informal for a crisp white tablecloth.

Above all, Barry was a devoted husband to Cheryl, his wife of 33 years, and a loving father to his daughter Brooke McDonald, and son-in-law Doug of Atlanta. He was the proud grandfather of Grace and Bennett, whom he enjoyed watching grow up.

He leaves behind his older brother Brad, and sisters-in-law Jan (Brad) and Shari (Bryan). He was reunited in heaven with his parents Bunny McCann and Willie Nierengarten, and his twin brother Bryan.

Barry fought a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. It was a disease that waged a war inside his body for many years, yet he fought silently and without complaint. Tough as nails, Barry never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him or treat him differently. He never gave up hope or fight, even at the bitter end. His doctors and nurses often marveled at his unwavering tenacity.

Barry’s humor and love for his family and friends will be deeply missed. His legacy of strength, adventure and kindness lives on in those who knew and loved him.

To celebrate a life well lived, the Nierengarten family will hold a memorial service at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home on Saturday, December 6 at 3pm. At Barry’s request, a gathering will follow at Boar and Buffalo Craft Bar (formerly Danny’s).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.pcf.org) or Suncoast Hospice (www.suncoasthospice.org) in Barry’s honor.

The Nierengarten family is indebted to the kindness and compassion of the Hospice team whose gentle presence helped guide him with comfort and dignity as he made his way toward the sunset.

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