"Pop" as he was lovingly referred to by my family and I, passed away last night at 8:20 pm.
My father, William Barry Jr., was a wonderful man. He taught me to speak up for myself, to believe in myself and my dreams, to be the best I can be in whatever I choose to do and to stay clear of negative people. Oh yes, his favorite saying "Never look back" meaning push on, learn from experience and don't dwell on mistakes."
My father worked full time all the way up to his illness. It gave him purpose and as he was loved and respected by both his peers and his employees at Bank of America.
He was a Korean war veteran in the "Sea Bees" who had four sons, myself and my three brothers.
He was our father, our coach in baseball, basketball and whatever other sports we decided to take up. He was our biggest fan and he loved us as much as we loved him.
He used to stop by on his way home from work and spend an hour in the shop with me while i worked on vent figures. He was the one who gave me the name "Gepetto" and used to say "Hello Gepetto! who are you making today?"
He was my father, my best friend, a wonderful grandfather and great grandfather but most of all he was a wonderful man. He is with his wife Elizabeth now, who he has grieved for since losing her two years ago. I know they are happy to be together again. Please join me in praying for him. "God, our father, please welcome him in to your kingdom with open arms. Forgive him for his mistakes through trials on earth and understand we are only human. Grant him the peace he deserves and keep watch over us so we may join him in heaven someday and be together again. Amen.
7 comments:
Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in our prayers!
Best Regards,
Mike Palma
Steve I am sorry to hear about your father. It is obvious he thought alot of you and was a great inspiration to you. Praying that you find peace in the days ahead and keep up the good work. You are a great and gifted artist. P.S. I think that in honor of your fathers life you should make a figure based off the last picture on your blog and call him " Pops" I know by what you wrote He would be honored!!
- Joe
Steve,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I wish I had gotten to know your dad better, he sounds like a great man. I know he had a little brother that loved, and admired him... they'll be together again, celebrating St. Patty's day this year. Sending good thoughts, and prayers your way.
Rich
So sorry for your loss! May God bring you and your family comfort in this time of need by his Spirit.
Steve,
Jean and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you and Darlene on the loss of your father.
I am sure he will be with you in spirit and will continue being a wonderful influence to you as you work in the Gepetto workshop that he so fittingly named.
Sincerely,
Jean and Dave Moquin
I am sorry to hear about your dad, the loss of a parent is very hard, I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Tony Librizzi
I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. I spoke will Bill every few weeks for the past several years. I first met Bill around 1978. Bill worked at a house on Palm Beach that my mother in law took care of the owners mother and I started working for Bill and worked for him for 6 years until I moved to Vermont. From the moment I met Bill I knew he was a very good person. To this day I have not met a person could hold a candle to Bill for his caring and thoughtfulness. He never judged me with all my hang-ups and in all of 6 years we never had a cross word working together. He told me many things about him and his past and I knew then he was a very special person. I've thought of Bill almost daily for the past 25 years and will miss him very much.
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