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William F. Barry

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William F. Barry, a retired educator and prominent resident of Uniontown, Pa., died Saturday, July 23, 2005, in the Lafayette Manor. He was 83 years of age. His service and dedication to the community and nation will long be remembered: World War II Navy veteran, Korean War Army veteran, Civilian Conservation Corps Worker, coal miner, industrial electrician, industrial arts teacher, vocational school director, California University of PA board of trustees director, and an advocate and supporter of youth activities.

Mr. Barry was born January 30, 1922, at Hecla, Pa., Westmoreland County. He was one of nine sons of the now late James J. and Ella (Murphy) Barry. He was a graduate of Brownsville High School in 1940. After high school, he went to work with the Civilian Conservation Corps, the “CCC”. He volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy in World War II and served in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945, aboard the heavy cruiser USS Chester as an aviation Machinist’s Mate. He flew as rear gunner/observed on a Kingfisher aircraft. Mr. Barry was awarded 10 battle stars for heroism.

After the end of the war, Mr. Barry went to work in the Coal Division of US Steel and joined the US Army Reserves. He remained employed with US Steel for 15 years. His employment with US Steel was interrupted during the Korean War, when he was called back to active duty with the Army. He served from 1951 to 1952, with the 369th Medium Maintenance Company, at Fort Jackson, S.C., and Fort Bragg, N.C.

In 1960, Mr. Barry embarked on a new career as an educator, teaching Industrial Electrify at Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School. He taught Industrial Arts at North Union High School, conducted evening training courses for the Fruehauf Corporation and Penn State University. He was, for a time, a department head in the Laurel Highlands School District, and was named Teacher of the Year by the PA Department of Education in 1966.

In the 1970’s, Mr. Barry became the Vocational Director of the North Fayette Area Vocational Technical School of Connellsville. As the first director, he oversaw the school’s construction, initial equipping and staffing during the 1970’s. He remained in that position until his retirement in 1984.

Mr. Barry was one of the first faculty sponsors for State of PA Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). He was named “Idea Man” and awarded a cash prize by US Steel Corporation. He co-authored the book PA Department of Education.

Mr. Barry was associated for many years with the California State University of PA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education from the University of PA. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts Education form the University in 1960, as well as his Masters of Education in Industrial Arts Education in 1963. He served on the Alumni Board for eight years, was a member of the President’s Club and worked with student teachers as a cooperating teacher and supervising teacher. In recent years, Mr. Barry served on the university’s Council of Trustees. The Alumni Association honored him as a “Dedicated Californian” in 1978. Mr. Barry also did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Penn State University in Uniontown.

After retirement, Mr. Barry remained active in civic affairs. He was Vice Chairman of the Westmoreland/Fayette Private Industry Council and served on the Directors’ Executive and Financial Board. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA and 1997 Chairman of the Fayette County Vocational Technical School Advisory Board. He was also foreman of the Fayette County Coroner’s Jury 1990-91.

He was an active member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church since 1948. At St. John’s, he served as Eucharistic Minister, as an adult acolyte, as a member of the Parrish Council for seven years, and was former Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee.

Mr. Barry held memberships in the United Mine Workers, BPO Elks Lodge No. 370, American Legion Post No. 51 (Life Member), VFW Post No. 47, PA Vocational Association, the American Vocational Association, Vocational Administrators of PA, the National Education Association (Life Member) and PA State Education Association (Life Member). He was a member of the Iota Lambda Sigma Fraternity, University of PA, and a charter member of the honorary international educational fraternity PHI Delta Kappa, California State University of PA Chapter.

One brother, James T. Barry and his wife, Gladys of Brownsville, and several nieces and nephews survive him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52, years, Ruth (Shearin) Barry; and his seven brothers, Richard, John, Vincent, Michael, Paul, Joseph and Edward.

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