Richard Barry

Dick graduated from Monson High School and the University of Massachusetts. Most of his career was spent in Washington, D.C., where he was employed in the Human Resources Division of the United States Navy Department. During the time20he was in Washington, Dick met his life partner of fifty years, Marion Gibbons, who passed away two years ago. His experience in working for the Navy Department during the Vietnam era resulted in Dick’s conversion from a conservative Republican to a liberal Democrat.

Dick spent his retirement years in Monson, where he was a member of the town’s Finance Committee, Democratic Town Committee, and Arts Council. He was a lover of animals, an avid gardener, and was the gardener in the illustrations of Ruth Sanderson’s book, The Secret Garden. His home was frequented by friends of all ages who shared his interests in politics and the arts. A lover of good jokes, Dick was also a man of integrity who held himself to high standards. He did not suffer fools, as best evidenced by his maintaining a Shrine of Slime in his living room during the eight years of the Bush administration. With the country in more capable hands, he was able to pass away peacefully.

Funeral arrangements will be private. Donations may be made to the Monson Fire Department Ambulance Fund, PO Box 335, Monson, MA; or the Monson Free Library, High20Street, Monson, MA.

---