Philip P. Barry

Philip Paul Barry passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025. He was born in Willimantic, CT on March 30, 1929, to the late Patrick and Rosa (Giraca) Barry. Phil leaves his beloved wife of 68 years, Lena (Gray) Barry, of Brooklyn, CT. He was a friend to all, a dedicated family man, loyal associate and collaborator to organize good times. Phil was a life-long resident of Eastern Connecticut.

A 1947 graduate of Windham High School, he was proud to be class president of his freshman class and senior class in high school. He excelled in sports—particularly basketball and baseball. Upon graduating from high school, Phil enrolled at the University of Connecticut. His academic career was interrupted by service in the United States Army where he completed officer’s training for two years during the Korean Conflict. After his release from the Army, he returned to UConn (graduating in 1954) and began a life-long affiliation with the institution. Over a span of 60 years, he was a student, athlete (basketball), staff administrator, Alumni Association Board member and Trustee of the University. He was bestowed many awards as a result of his dedication to the institution.

After graduating from college, Phil worked for two years at the Willimantic Trust Company—where he met Lena, cashing her nursing payroll checks. From there, he accepted a position in the University of Connecticut Athletic Department as Ticket Manager. Over a 31-year career in the Athletic Department he progressed to Business Manager and then Associate Director of Athletics. He was honored with the Collegiate Athletic Business Manager of the Year award in 1975 from the College Athletic Business Management Association. Phil was also part of the birth of The Big East Conference in 1979, representing UConn and serving as the conference Treasurer for ten years. At UConn he served on many search committees fulfilling staff and team coaching vacancies.

Locally, Phil had many interests including being a member of the Willimantic Country Club, longtime member of the Elks Club and the Irish Club of Willimantic. He was one of the last living members of Roy’s Boys—a dedicated group of Willimantic area baseball players who benefited as teens under the guidance and teaching of Roy Dissinger. Phil was elected and served two terms as a member of the Mansfield Town Council. During his tenure he focused on the Storrs Downtown project and fostering closer ties between the Town of Mansfield and the University of Connecticut. At home, he loved tending to his vegetable garden, feeding the local deer (Bucky!) and catering to outdoor chores.
Phil’s home was a gathering place for family and friends, alike. A welcoming home to all in Storrs, it was a place to go and enjoy a drink, meal or watch a game. The door was always open, and no one was a stranger.

He had the good fortune of spending more time in retirement than in the working world—having retired in October of 1987. Phil enjoyed those years by traveling with Lena, spending quality time with their grandchildren, and trying to lower his golf handicap.

Phil was predeceased by his brother John (Eloise) Barry, his sister Pauline (Ben) Nault, and his son-in-law John Geissler. In addition to his wife, Lena, Phil leaves four children—Patricia Geissler, David (Lori) Barry, Douglas (Pamela) Barry, and Daniel (Julie) Barry. Perhaps his greatest joy was his nine grandchildren which include Kristin (Phillippe and their children Daysia, Mariah and Devin), Alyssa (Michael), Sean, Nikki, Jessica, Anna, Emma, Ryan, and Bradley. Grampy always had time, patience and love for them!

Phil’s family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at First Baptist Church of Mansfield, 945 Storrs Road, Storrs. A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 1:00pm at First Baptist Church of Mansfield in Storrs. We invite you to wear your UConn blue and white and Husky-best!
The family would like to thank the kind and compassionate staff at Creamery Brook and Pierce Home, in Brooklyn CT, for their extraordinary care since 2019. Donations may be made in Phil’s honor to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Pierce Memorial Baptist Home Recreation Fund (checks made to PMBH, noting Recreation) 44 Canterbury Road, Brooklyn, CT 06234. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .