Paul Joseph Barry Sr.

Paul Joseph Barry Sr.

Paul J. Barry Sr., age 88, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2021, at his home in Wasilla, Alaska, surrounded by his family.

Paul was born in Oconto, Wisconsin, to parents Louise and Earl Barry. In 1935, at two years of age, Paul moved with his parents and eight siblings to the Mat-Su Valley as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal Program to resettle poverty-stricken families. The family lived in the tent colony in downtown Palmer until moving onto their original settlement on Palmer Fishhook. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to their property on Finger Lake and built a farm.

Paul graduated from the Palmer Schools and went on to attend the University of Washington before serving for two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Paul’s brother Melvin then encouraged him to “make a decision” and choose a vocation, which he did by seeking an electrician apprenticeship. This choice led to 60 years as a Journeyman Electrician. Paul earned his State Administrator Permit and owned and operated Mat-Su Electric, later known as Barry’s Electric.

In 1962, Paul married his wife of 59 years, Beverly Ann Barry. With her support, and the support of many others, Paul built Barry’s Resort on Finger Lake. They operated the resort until 1983, with Paul working as a chef, bartender, repairman, and chief bottle washer, while also continuing electrical work.

True to the Valley Colonist’s spirit, Paul completed many adventurous projects through sheer hard work and determination. One such achievement was in the ‘70s when he and his brothers, Melvin and Francis (Swede), constructed a 42-mile road into the Wrangell Mountains to reach the Silver Star Mining Claims. Paul, his brothers, and their families spent the summers living in the mountains while they built the road and mined for silver. In the end the rewards from this adventure did not come from silver, but from precious memories of spending this time with family and nature. Their road is still used by the Park Service today.

Paul’s interests varied greatly and were all done wholeheartedly. In the ‘80s, he dedicated himself to the position of Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman. He also loved gardening, dip net fishing, aviation, heavy equipment, and building projects. Paul could repair, build, or fix just about anything. He raced snowmachines, owned a PUG dealership, and his love of aviation eventually led to putting together a Gyrocopter kit. He could be seen flying around the Valley with an open-air pit at the age of 68.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Earl Barry; son, Paul Anthony Barry; and siblings Earl Jr. (Elizabeth) Barry, Melvin (Mary) Barry, Francis Barry, Helen (Earl) Simpson, Marian (Hank) Wiese, Robert Barry, Don Barry, and Janice (Walt) Purcell/Tony Neff.

Paul’s greatest love was his family. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Barry; four children, Michelle Barry (Betty Hatch), Deanna (David) Arthur, Paul (Carolyn) Barry, Jo Ann (Joe) Hinds; grandchildren, Ryan (Renée) Doyle, Kyle and Dominique Hinds, Luke Arthur, Ryland, Kaelyn, and Johanna Barry; and great grandchildren. Keegan and Darian Doyle. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Virginia Barry, and many nephews, nieces, and friends. As a deeply religious man he lived by this verse:

Love One Another

“This is my commandment:

that you love one another as I have loved you.”

John 15:12

Paul’s memorial mass will be held this Saturday, May 15, 11:00 am, at St. Michael’s Parish, 432 East Fireweed Avenue, Palmer, Alaska 99645. Due to safety concerns, there will not be a reception afterwards. A short inurnment will be held as the ashes are placed in a columbarium at the Palmer Pioneer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to the Palmer Food Bank in Paul’s name, P.O. Box 2421, Palmer, AK 99645.