Obituary: George Arthur Barry

WHITEWATER - George Arthur Barry, age 72, a longtime resident of Lake Bluff, Ill., and more recently Whitewater, died in Naples, Fla., Wednesday, March 5, 2003., Mr. Barry was born in Madison, Wis., Nov. 12, 1930., He attended St. Raphael Grade School and Central High School. He was a member of the armed forces and served in Japan and Korea. He graduated from Whitewater State College, in 1956. After coaching and teaching at Durand (Illinois) High School, for three years he came to Lake Forest (Illinois) High School in 1959, where he taught biology and coached freshman football. In fall 1966 he became head varsity football coach and coached for 21 years. During this time the team won nine conference championships and reached the Illinois state playoffs six times. The team overall record was 127 wins, 61 losses, and four ties. He also coached the swim and the lacrosse teams. He retired in 1987 after 31 years of continuous service. He was also a member of the Hall Of Fame at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Coaches Hall of Fame at the University of Illinois. After retirement he attended and participated in the senior games, gaining recognition and honors in track and field, biking, and swim events. A longtime friend and colleague, James Benton, had this to say: "I remember George Barry as a very moral man, a good Catholic, and a fine husband and father. He was soft-spoken and a true 'gentleman' whom I shall always remember that way." He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan LaPlant Barry; son, John (Sheila) of Naples, Fla.; daughters, Jill (Tom) Jensen of Green Bay, and Molly of Seattle, Wash.; four, grandchildren, Jessica and Austin Barry, and Thomas and, George Jensen; brother, Richard (Sharon) of Madison; and sister, June (Gil) Smith of Tonawanda, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his parents, H James and Theresa Barry; brothers, Thomas, Edward, Henry and Carl; and sisters, Marion, Gertrude and Evelyn. A funeral Mass for Mr. Barry will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Whitewater. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Marinette. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The W Club at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 8, 2003