Obituaries

Waterford, CT — Walter J. Barry, 77, died peacefully on Monday, February 1, in Branford after a long battle with cancer.

Of Polish and Irish ancestry, Walter was born Jan. 22, 1944, in New London, son of Edward W. and Mary C. Leahy Barry. He was named after his father’s brother, Walter “Joe” Barry, a standout baseball player at The Bulkeley School in the 1920s who passed away at age 23 in an automobile accident while attending New York University. Following eight years at St. Mary Star of the Sea School, Walter attended St. Bernard’s School, where he graduated in 1962 as a member of the first co-educational class, subsequently dubbed “The ‘62 Gang.” After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Bentley University in 1966, he successfully completed his Certified Public Accountant exam and began his long career as an accountant.

On September 16, 1967, Walter married Christina Segura at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Provincetown, MA. They made their home in Waterford.

In 1991, after many years with a local accounting firm, Walter started his own accounting business, establishing an office on Boston Post Road in Waterford. It was during this time that he flourished as an accomplished accountant and practical financial advisor. He later assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at Thurston Foods in Wallingford, an opportunity that strengthened his connection with the Thurston family, a connection he cherished, especially on their numerous treks to Foxboro to cheer his beloved New England Patriots.

Throughout his life Walter served his community in countless other ways. A member of the New London Lodge of Elks No. 360, a former President of the Waterford Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and a former treasurer of the Winthrop Chapter #250 of AHEPA, Walter also served as former chair of the Waterford Board of Education. He co-founded, and served for eight years as treasurer of, the Southeastern Connecticut Youth Hockey League. A member of Great Neck (formerly New London) Country Club, he greatly enjoyed his time on the links with his friends, especially when he could participate in events for charity.

Walter is survived by his wife of 53 years, Christina Barry; daughter, Elizabeth Bourassa (Greg) of Charlton, MA; daughter, Kathleen Barry (Hank Cormier) of Bethesda, MD; son, Shawn Barry (Elizabeth) of Falls Church, VA; and son, Patrick Barry of Waterford. Walter was blessed with five grandchildren whom he adored: Chase Bourassa; El and Abigail Barry-Cormier; and Joseph and James Michael Barry. Two sisters, Veronica Schaeffer (Ed) of Naples, FL, and Mary Anne O’Reilly (Jim) of Waterford, two nieces, Tracey Wright and Heather Wright, and one nephew, Christopher Schaeffer (Mari), also survive him.

He was predeceased by his parents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Due to the on-going pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Smilow Cancer Hospital, Waterford, or The Connecticut Hospice, Branford.