Charles Edward Barry, 69, passed away at the Grand Strand Medical Center May 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Charley was born Sept. 7, 1951, in Brooklyn, New York. He was raised there and met his wife at the age of 15. They eventually started a family and moved to Middletown in 1986 before retiring to Calabash, North Carolina in 2011. He established his career as a financial services professional at Merrill Lynch, Dean Witter and Morgan Stanley.
“Chas” loved life and all that it offered, effortlessly blurring the lines between family and friends, making them one and the same. A master at conversation, he could engage in spirited discussions with anyone – whether they wanted to or not – on any topic, and take any – or both – sides if it helped extend the conversation with someone he liked, always with a sense of humor and a smile on his face.
His favorite activities included golfing, growing tomatoes and pausing and unpausing television. He was a true friend to many and enjoyed being involved in his community, starting a 5-year-old soccer league for AYSO in Brooklyn, coaching his sons’ sports teams, acting as treasurer for the Band Parents association, helping put up countless fences or take down many fallen trees. In retirement he chaired the Grounds & Facilities and Budget & Finance committees at his homeowner’s association, always willing to help out on any task whether he knew how to help or could just hold the ladder or a flashlight for someone who did. But most of all, he will be remembered for his love and appreciation for all of his family, in particular his grandchildren, whose smiling faces adorn every wall in his office.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Donna Barry (née Rael); brother Michael (Francesca); sons Charles (Robin) of Montville, Erik (Lori) of Laurel Hollow, New York, Kevin (Kelly) of Port Monmouth; granddaughters Juliette and Annabella; and grandsons Colin and Jack.
He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Gertrude and son Joseph.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28 at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home, 1735 Rt. 35, Middletown, NJ 07748.
The article originally appeared in the June 24 – 30, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
