JOHN “JACK” J. BARRY III
05/13/1940 - 04/14/2024
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John “Jack” Barry, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who left us peacefully on April 14, 2024, at the age of 83.
Jack was born in Kane, Pennsylvania, on May 13, 1940, to the late John J. and Virginia Barry. His strong faith and unwavering convictions shaped not only his personal life but also his professional journey. After graduating from his beloved Grove City College, he fulfilled his dream of attending Officer Candidate School, becoming a naval officer, and serving on a destroyer based in California. While stationed in Long Beach, he met Judy Hofer, the love of his life.
After finishing his military service, Jack and Judy were married in 1966 and moved to Pittsburgh, where their three children were born.
Jack’s career in the technology industry spanned 38 years with companies such as IBM, Xerox, and Harris.
His experience culminated as CEO of both The Systems Center (Dallas) and later Petroleum Information Corp (Houston). He served on the board of directors of several companies and Grove City College’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Council.
Jack was a 30-year member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian and a long-time Elder. He loved reading, history, watching football, family vacations and traveling with Judy. A project dear to his heart was the HCC NewSpring Business Plan Competition, where he created the curriculum, trained and mentored aspiring entrepreneurs for ten years.
Jack’s love for family was a cornerstone of his life. When he wasn’t coaching, he was a constant presence at the sporting and school events of his children and grandchildren. His love for hunting and fishing was a shared passion that brought the family together at their beach house in Port O’Connor. These family gatherings were some of the happiest times in his life, and his loved ones will cherish them forever.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Lou Rodgers, Martha Britcher, and Kathleen Burkley.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Judy, of 58 years, and three children, Susan Hovermale (Lee), Jack Barry (Ann), and Jennifer Barry; eight grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hovermale (Stevie Brown), Braden Hovermale, Jack Barry, Justin Barry, Grace McGrath, Luke McGrath, Evan McGrath, and Blake Barry, and great-grandson Stephen Brown. He will be remembered as a guiding light in their lives, always leading by example, with love and a firm faith in God. His legacy of love, leadership, and unwavering faith will forever inspire us.
His family invites you to a celebration of his life on May 16, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jack’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project.