William G. Barry Sr.

May 8, 1929 - October 10, 2020

William Barry of New Orleans and more recently, Mandeville, LA, peacefully and prayerfully passed away with family by his side, on Saturday, October 10, 2020. Bill was a considerate and affectionate husband and provider, a wise and patient father, a kind and jovial friend, a prayerful, thoughtful, and generous leader. He lived in each moment. He believed in determination, hard work, self-sacrifice, and lifelong learning. And he was a master at balancing those with leisure, enjoying people, and celebrating life. He took great delight in people and his heart and arms were eager to embrace all whom he encountered. When he was with you, you were his favorite! The way he lived his faith was an inspiration to all. He was a proud Pere to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and shared his faith with them through a series of letters “Pere’s Prayers.” He will be deeply missed by all who shared life’s moments with him. Bill was born to Catherine and Larry Barry in Cairo, IL. He served honorably in the Marine Corps during WWII, and attended Tulane University where he joined the ATO fraternity. In 1950 he married Corinne, the love of his life since second grade. Bill’s diverse career began in the cotton business, first as a “squidge” for Volkart Brothers. He loved that business and quickly advanced, with a keen eye for cotton logistics and the application of early computer processing technology. Given his entrepreneurial nature and his training as a CPA, his career included a number of ventures and positions including Laitram Corporation and co-owning one of the first H&R Block franchises. A man ahead of his time, he welcomed and embraced technology, eventually purchasing Cooper Data systems and growing that business into a suite of Cooper Computer Companies. He brought the power of data processing to a wide variety of clients for many years. He was also a partner in the local ComputerLand and Audubon Computer Rental. Even in retirement, he remained active by providing personal computer coaching. When asked which of his many jobs he enjoyed the most, he answered without hesitation, “fatherhood!” Over the years, he also served on several Parish, School, civic and business boards including the original First National Bank of Commerce in New Orleans. He held leadership positions in the Stratford Club, the Boston Club and several Carnival Organizations. Bill and Corinne received the Order of St. Louis Medallion in 2000 for outstanding contributions to the Catholic Church, after which, they continued to serve by teaching CCD classes at Mary Queen of Peace Church. Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, his parents, his older brother Rev. Lawrence Barry, Jr., S.J., and his younger brother Daniel Barry. He is survived by his Children: Coco Watkin (Bill), Cathy Thompson (Bruce), Billy Barry, Jr. (Karen), Mimi Richard (Tom), and Michael Barry (Mendy); 24 adult grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren (and counting); and a significant extended family. Bill loved people and parties, and was a patient man. He would wait if it meant doing something right; therefore, a memorial Mass and a proper celebration of his life will follow at a later date, when we will be able to hug, eat, drink, and be merry. For now, immediate family will gather privately for a Rosary, funeral Mass and burial. While attendance is limited to immediate family, all are welcome to join via live stream on Saturday, October 17, at 1:00 PM at https://www.youtube.com/c/MQPChurch/. Bill’s children also welcome your stories, memories and photos in any manner shape or form, including the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book online at www.ejfieldingfh.com. Out of his enduring devotion to his wife, and their shared dedication to Catholic education, Bill requested that any donations be made to the Lapeyre Scholarship Fund at the Academy of the Sacred Heart (4521 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115 or www.ashrosary.org ). “Eh la bas!”