Gerald P. Barry

Gerald Parnell Barry, 82, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 26, 2024.  Gerald, fondly known as Jerry, was born to John and Geraldine Barry on November 5, 1941 in Troy, New York.  While attending barber school, he met the love of his life, Nancy.  Jerry soon earned the titles of both “barber” and “husband,” as he began his career and he and Nancy were married on January 11, 1964 in Schenectady, New York.

Jerry apprenticed and worked in barbershops before opening his own—Jerry’s Barbershop on Crane Street in Schenectady.  After longer hairstyles became popularized in the seventies and the demand for haircuts dropped, Jerry leveraged his knack for precision and began his second career as a machinist for General Electric, where he worked for over 25 years.

Despite his professional responsibilities, Jerry always made time for his family, friends, and hobbies.  He fed his passion for adventure and the outdoors by golfing, skiing, hiking, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, ice skating, rollerblading, and more.  He also enjoyed traveling, cheering on the New York Yankees, and serving his parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  Most importantly, he loved to share these interests and create lasting memories with those around him.  Jerry will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a loyal son, brother, and friend, who never missed a chance to catch up over a cup of coffee.

Jerry will be dearly missed by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Barry; his sister, Paula (Bob) Milhizer and his brothers, Rev. Peter Barry and John Barry; his son, Joseph (Matilda) Barry and his daughter, Diana (Tim) Sweeney; his grandchildren, Sarah (Nick) Jaeger, Megan (Collin) Anderson, Andrew (Olivia) Sweeney, Joseph Sweeney, Patrick Sweeney, Michael Barry, Mary Sweeney, Nicholas Sweeney, and Anthony Sweeney; his great-grandchildren, Samuel Sweeney, Benedict Sweeney, Madeline Sweeney, and Thomas Sweeney; his sister-in-law, Nicolina Battaglia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He now joins in eternal life his parents, John and Geraldine Barry; his in-laws, James and Nancy Saraco, Josephine (Italo) Massaroni, James Battaglia, and Rosemary Saraco; and his nephew, Gary Massaroni.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Schenectady. There will be no prior calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the City Mission of Schenectady, an organization close to Jerry’s heart.

On his behalf and that of his family, Jerry’s family extends sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at the Schenectady Center for their loving kindness, immense patience, compassionate care, and most of all, their friendship.