Michael Garrett Barry, born September 27, 1949, in Youngstown, Ohio, passed away on August 30, 2024, in Newport News, Virginia, at the age of 74. Michael, a man who could fix anything with a screwdriver, duct tape, and a song, lived a life as colorful and dynamic as the changing seasons he loved to experience from the seat of his motorcycle.

Michael grew up in Youngstown, where as a child, he sang in the choir at St. John's Episcopal Church and later graduated from Austintown Fitch High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Michael spent six years during the Vietnam War mastering the art of radar repair, mechanics, and electronics. His service earned him several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and was cited for Exemplary Hand-to-Hand Combat Training. He later earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Bryant & Stratton College. After hanging up his sailor's hat, he spent over 34 years as a Lead Production Technician for Prax Air (Linde) Industrial Gas Products in Buffalo, New York and Virginia.

Michael had a zest for life that was soundtracked with his classic rock, classical music, Motown,and folk tunes. Whether he was cruising down rural roads in his Corvette with the top off or bowling a perfect game, he approached every activity with the same approach- he took it easy. He found joy in the simple pleasures—sipping tea while watching the birds over the water in his backyard, going for a ride to the mountains with his wife, cheering on his beloved Buffalo Bills, watching boxing on TV, and above all, spending time with his grandkids and supporting them at their events.

He was a man who didn't just talk about doing things; he got them done. He never bragged or pretended to be anything other than he was. A stand up guy, a good friend, and a helper & doer, Michael was always there with a helping hand or a witty remark. His skills in repairing electronics and doing mechanic work were a labor of love built from a lifetime of self- reliance.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Garrett and Margaret Barry; his grandson, Christopher Berry; and his cousins, Buzzy and Skip Price. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Cynthia Barry; his sons, Michael Berry (Carolyn), Jason Berry (Rebecca), and Shawn Barry (Suzette); and his beloved grandchildren, Callan and Rosabelle Barry, and Matthew, Johnathan, Andrew, and Sammy Berry. He is also survived by his sisters, Susan Paczak and Kathy Todd; his brothers, John Barry and Matthew Barry, all of Youngstown, Ohio; and his daughter-in-law, Brenda. His friends, especially Don Reynolds, John Igoe, Chuck, Steve, Dale Rosser, Mr. Masguy, Mr. & Mrs. Rondeau, Jeff Orser, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, John Seaus, neighbors, and coworkers from Prax Air, whom he considered dear to his heart, will miss him greatly.

In the end, Michael Garrett Barry's life was a testament to his commitment to family, the joy of simple pleasures, and the importance of being there for those you love. He will be remembered fondly and missed deeply by all who knew him, especially his grandchildren.