Thomas A. Barry ’58
Thomas A. Barry, Worcester/Westborough, MA, died March 12, 2024.
Born and raised in Worcester, primarily by his mother and grandmother, Tom graduated from St. John’s High School (1954) and spent his summers working at LA Hastings Leather Goods in Worcester.
During his Saint Michael’s studies in the sciences (biology, chemistry), he was a member of the Air Force ROTC and exceled as an expert marksman. Many years later, Tom was chair of his 35th Saint Michael’s Class Reunion, and he was a President’s Medallion supporter of the College.
After college, he returned to Worcester to marry his high school sweetheart and went on to earn his master’s degree in chemistry from Clark University (1961). Shortly after, he and his wife moved to South Bend, IN, where he earned his doctorate in biochemistry from University of Notre Dame (1967). He remained a devoted and loyal Notre Dame football fan his entire life.
After a time working at Merck Pharmaceuticals in Rahway, NJ, he returned home to the Worcester area, settling in Westborough. He went on to serve as director of Chemistry Department at St. Vincent’s Hospital for more than 30 years.
A dedicated father and grandfather, he enjoyed the time spent with his family. After the death of his daughter in law, he became a primary care giver for five of his grandchildren. He loved working with children at their home day care, Misty Meadows Day Care, where he was lovingly referred to as “Grampa” by all the kids who attended over the years Additionally, he had a hand in running Barry’s Bait and Tackle and was always willing to listen to a good fish tale.
Tom also was an avid photographer and gardener. You could always find him tending to his precious Black Eyed Susans. He was a member of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (past president), Rahway Jaycee’s, Westboro Knights of Columbus, and a member of St Luke’s Parish in Westboro for more than 40 years.
Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Michaleen “Mickie” (Hammill) Barry P’88, two sons including Thomas Barry, Jr. ’88 and son James Barry P’03, three daughters, and extended family, including granddaughter Jessica “Jess” Alves ’03.