Like Bob and Rich, I worked in NJ Advance Media's sports department with Barry. It's hard to imagine a kinder, gentler, more down-to-earth soul. Barry was a pleasure to work with, a pleasure to be around and had a knack for saying the funniest thing at exactly the right time. NJ Advance Media was my first job out of college, and I'll always remember the patience and approachability he showed me. The photo here is from my going-away drinks when I left the office; Barry was there, because Barry was always there for people. I'm honored to have known him, and it saddens me we won't be able to catch up again. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
My deepest condolences to Barry's family. He was such a kind and wonderful person. I was fortunate to work part time for him in the Sports Department at the Express-Times for a couple years and enjoyed every second of it. From the moment I walked in to interview I felt like we knew each other all our lives. It was always great to run into him at a ball game or somewhere around town after I left and catch up. It was always like I just saw him the day before. The laughs and conversations are something I will never forget. Even though we only met in passing I feel like I knew his family well from the many stories he shared. RIP Barry...From Mr. Baseball.
My deepest condalences to barry's family and friends. He helped me get started and guided me at the Express starting in 1987. I worked with him for almost 30 years and will never forget him, the softball games, the basketball games, the conversations in the office, the many many laughs and the faith he had in me to do a good job. And especially just what a great person he was. Only the good die young is a song but fits perfectly here. RIP Barry. Love you.
I worked with Rich and Barry and NJ Advance Media and couldn’t capture my time with Barry any better than Rich did. In the short amount of time we worked together, I knew Barry was a special guy, especially in a business that attracts its share of curmudgeons. One of my first experiences of Barry’s special affection for people is a simple act, something I’m sure he performed over and over again in his life. It may seem like a silly story but it is something I will never forget and when I tell people the type of person Barry is, I tell them this. We were all learning and struggling with a new office, production procedure and new editorial system. Definitely in uncharted waters. We all tried helping each other. After I helped Barry solve a problem, I went and got a bag of jalapeño chips from the vending machine. The next day, the very next day, Barry handed me a bag of home grown peppers. He told me he noticed a liked peppers and that these in the bag were for helping him. When I left work and put the bag on my front seat, I actually cried and his wonderful gesture. He probably never knew how much he touched me because he is Barry. Always doing for people without giving it a second thought. We need more people like Barry. I am happy to say, I got to meet him and be friends with him. My prayers are with you all.
Bob Harrison
I worked with Barry at NJ Advance Media in Edison, N.J., from Sept. 2014 until March, 2018. We were both editors and newspaper page designers in the sports department, handling various publications. Barry and I got along very well, but when I think about it, Barry got along with EVERYONE in the newsroom. Soft-spoken, low-key, great work ethic, and a terrific sense of humor, especially when you got to know him. I never met Barry's wife or sons, but got to know them when Barry talked about his family, which was often. I could tell what a devoted husband he was. And to his sons: your Dad was extremely proud of you. We had a tight-knit group of sports employees in Edison and Barry was one of us. He would do anything to help anyone. Our sincerest condolences to Barry's immediate and extended family. We are all so sad, but feel fortunate that we crossed life paths with Barry and were able to be with him for the time we had.........Rich Haley
We’ll miss our dear friend, our travel adventures, too many laughs to count (Do you mind if I get a salad?) your hospitality and most of all, your generous and sharing nature. Rest easy Barry.
