Maurice Halpin “Hal” Barry passed away on January 9, 2011 at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was surrounded by his family.

Mr. Barry, son of the late Dr. James and Gertrude Barry, was born in Brockville, Ontario on August 15, 1944. After attending St. Mary’s School and graduating from Ogdensburg Free Academy, he received a bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College and master’s degrees from the University of Oklahoma and SUNY Cortland. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force including six tours during the Vietnam War for which he earned many honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, while serving as an electronics warfare officer on the B-52 bomber. He later retired as a major after working in intelligence in both Colorado and Rome, NY - where he lived for over 20 years.

Following his military career, Mr. Barry began a career in education as a teacher and administrator, ultimately retiring as Superintendent of the Ogdensburg City School District in 2008.

Despite Mr. Barry’s many professional accomplishments, he will remembered most as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Hal’s warmth, compassion, generosity, and humor were cherished by all who knew him. He loved golf, all things Irish, the St. Lawrence River, and spending time with his family – especially his beloved granddaughter.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Lucinda “Cindy” (Dries) Barry; a son, Mathew Barry; daughter-in-law, Kathryn; and his granddaughter, Cameron Elizabeth of Albany; siblings Dr. Murray Barry (Fresno, CA), Maureen Farnan (Ft. Wayne, IN), Barbara Harris, Jane Barry, Margaret Driscoll, Martha Barry (San Diego, CA), Mary Douglas (Cary, NC), Theresa Campbell (Arlington, TX), William Barry (Jacksonville, FL), and James “J.J.” Barry (Baldwinsville); an aunt, Mary Major (Prescott, ON); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Dr. Michael Barry; and his sisters, Diana Wells and Joan Barry.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Fox and Murray Funeral Home, 528 Franklin Street, Ogdensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial with full military honors will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church with Father Joseph Morgan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hal Barry Memorial Scholarship Fund at Ogdensburg Free Academy c/o Cindy Tuttle, OFA, 1100 State Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or the Claxton Hepburn Medical Center Foundation, 503 Mansion Avenue, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.

Online condolences can be made to the family at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.