Barry Meunier

Son, brother, husband, father, uncle, teammate, airman, colleague, boss, drinking buddy, golf partner, granddad: Barry was all of those things and more, but regardless of your relationship with him, deep down he was your friend. And not just any friend, Barry was the type of true friend everyone wants and needs. Fiercely loyal and always there for you, he was the first to make you laugh and the first to show up when you needed help. Mowing your lawn into his 80s, slipping you some much needed cash without a word, carrying his heavy ailing dog up and down two flights of stairs several times a day, or just showing up to share a beer and a laugh, that was Barry.

The son of the late Wilbroad and Annie (Kratzsch) Meunier, Barry grew up in New Bedford with his older sisters, Phyllis Sheerin and the late Pat Hunt, and his big brother, Bob Meunier. He cherished his family and was always unmistakably their little brother.

Barry was a passionate and accomplished sportsman. He was a starting shortstop at age eight, and blossomed into a star athlete at New Bedford High School, where he played varsity football, basketball, and baseball.

After graduating from New Bedford High in 1960, Barry earned his bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and then later returned to school and earned his master’s degree from UMass Dartmouth.

After graduating from college, he married the late Andrea Doane Meunier and they raised two sons together, Bill Meunier and the late Rob Meunier.

Barry’s first career was the U.S Air Force. He joined the service right out of college, became a pilot, and eventually earned the rank of captain. Captain Meunier served in Vietnam, flying countless dangerous missions. But you wouldn’t hear that from him.

After retiring from the Air Force, Barry moved back to New Bedford and became the director of the city’s Recreation Department and then also its Parks Department. He held this position for over 26 years. Mayor after mayor would come and go, but Barry stayed, growing and improving the city’s rec programs, parks, and zoo. If you grew up in New Bedford in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, there’s a good chance he gave you your first summer job.

Upon retirement, Barry concentrated on what he loved most: golf and his family, including all of his many nieces and nephews, whom he adored. Some of his favorite days were when he could combine both, spending a day on the links playing with his family. And beating them.

In his later years, Barry doted on his granddaughter, Zoe Meunier. He passed on his baseball knowledge to her when she was first learning softball, and he then attended as many of her games as he possibly could. And if there were a play, concert, or five-hour dance recital, Barry was there. Proudly. He also taught Zoe to play cribbage, and they played countless games together. Barry claims he never cheated.

We love him and will miss him every day.

His funeral will be Friday, October 16, 2026 at 10 a.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. Burial will be private. Visitation will be Thursday 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping the fight against childhood cancer by donating to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.