Dennis Barry

Dennis Richard Barry passed away Tuesday morning, May 30th, 2023, in Boca Raton, FL. He was 83 years old. Dennis was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on March 1st, 1940, the first son of Richard and Alpha Barry. He attended Roselle Park High School and excelled in academics and sports, especially basketball. He was offered a full-ride scholarship to Mount St. Mary’s College in Maryland, which he accepted. Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury cut his basketball career short. However, he turned his competitive efforts to his studies and was named class valedictorian in 1962. Always the supportive big brother, he moved to South Florida to attend the University of Miami, where his brother Rick, was starring on the UM varsity basketball team. Subsequently, Dennis earned a master’s degree in education and met his soon-to-be wife, Anna. They married in June 1964 in Opa-Locka, FL, and had three beautiful children: Bret, Patty, and Brenna. Dennis taught briefly in the Miami public school system, but his educational career was short-lived, as he soon turned his intelligence and hard work to the commercial mortgage industry, where he enjoyed success. The Barry family settled in Plantation, FL, and were active members of St. Gregory Catholic Church. Dennis found great joy in coaching and attending many of his kid's games on the P.A.L. fields. Dennis joined the Lago Mar Beach Club & Country Club as a charter member, where the family met lifelong friends and fond memories were made. Dennis provided a wonderful life for his children. He also enjoyed working out at Bally’s in Davie, FL, where his best buddies affectionately nicknamed him the “Candyman.” Later in life, he met his life partner, a wonderful lady, Sharon Raddock. Thanks to Sharon, Dennis had the opportunity to share many wonderful years with her in beautiful Boca Raton. Dennis’s children, including Bret’s wife Karen and Patty’s husband Mark, are eternally grateful to Sharon for making the last 12 years of his life extraordinary. Those who knew Dennis realized he was an incredibly intelligent, intense, and thoughtful man. He was extremely proud of his brother Rick’s many basketball accomplishments but was most proud of his three children and the outstanding adults they had become. They were his pride and joy. His oldest nephew coined the phrase “Uncle Glue,” as Dennis was the family member who kept in touch and shared the news with all. Dennis lived life fully, and through his abiding faith in our Lord, he will certainly rest in peace. He will be missed by his family & friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at the TM Ralph Funeral Home in Plantation, FL. June 16th at 1:30-3:00 pm.