John E. Barry

John E. "Jack" Barry, 82, of Reading, passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025, surrounded by family after a period of declining health. Born and raised in Lynn, he was the son of the late John and Eleanor (Ames) Barry. As a child growing up on Clovelly St., Jack developed a lifelong love of baseball, and he was a talented lefthanded pitcher throughout his youth. (Fun fact: Jack once started a game in which the opposing starter was Tony Conigliaro. He lost 2-1.) He graduated from Lynn English High School in 1960.

After high school, Jack attended Merrimack College before transferring to the University of New Hampshire, where he graduated in 1964 with a bachelor's degree in Business. He then attended the University of Illinois and earned a master's degree in Labor and Industrial Relations. In 1966, Jack began work as a labor economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in Boston. He worked at BLS for 34 years, eventually becoming an Assistant Regional Commissioner before retiring from federal service in 2000.

In 1975, Jack married Mary ("Ronnie") Dorsey and moved to Reading, where they raised two children, Karen and Kevin. Jack was a selfless husband and father, and family was always his priority. He was a constant presence at countless youth baseball games, softball games, basketball games, swim meets, and track meets. In retirement, Jack enjoyed spending time at home with Ronnie and their dog Abby, going on cruises, and watching the Red Sox approximately 162 times a year (not including spring training or playoff games). In addition to being a dedicated family man, Jack will be remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. His family is grateful for the chance to care for Jack in his final years after having been supported by him for so long. He will be missed dearly. 

Jack is survived by his wife Ronnie; daughter Karen, of Cambridge; son Kevin, of Carrboro, NC; daughter-in-law Sarah Nyante; and two grandchildren, Corinne and Colin Barry. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Ann Carroll, of Lakewood, NJ; his cousin Jim Harris and wife Chris, of Chester, NH; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Jack to CurePSP.