Judge Denis A. Barry

Born January 19, 1929 in New Orleans and a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana passed on peacefully February 28, 2017. Survived by his loving children Denis W. Barry and Bonny Barry-Pullen (Bailey), grandchildren Barbara Burley of Baton Rouge, Denis W. Barry, Jr (Tiffany) of Baton Rouge and Blair Carson (Andrew) of Gretna. In addition nephew James H. Mather III and niece Denise DeGruy (Pierre), both of New Orleans. Preceded in death by his father, Denis August Barry and mother, Elvira Barry.

Judge Barry was raised in New Orleans, graduated from Warren Easton high school, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and Loyola Law School in New Orleans. While attending law school at night and raising a family Denis did work for the city of New Orleans including the acquisition and installation of new seating for the municipal auditorium. In addition he did advertising for Pontchartrain Beach and working for Harry Batt Sr.

Upon completing law school Denis opened a law practice and took on a partner, James Garrison, to form Barry and Garrison Law Offices in New Orleans. When Garrison was elected District Attorney for Orleans Parish Denis accepted the role of First Assistant DA, put in charge of the Vice Division and proceeded to lead a crackdown of illegal activities in the French Quarter. Denis left the Garrison DA office to re-enter private law practice.

While in private practice, Denis was appointed by the Mayor of New Orleans to the Housing Authority and later as the Chairman of the Regional Planning Commission. He sat on other numerous boards and commissions including the Board of Metairie Country Club where he was a long-standing member. Denis loved Mardi Gras, belonged to several organizations but was best known as the Captain of the Krewe of Eros for over 20 years. He remained in private practice of law until he successfully ran for a judgeship on the Louisiana 4th Circuit Court of Appeals where he retired as Chief Judge in 1999.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70124. Interment will take place following the services at Hope Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Parkinson’s Research Foundation and Juvenile Diabetes Association.