John “Jack” Barry, who passed away on Feb. 4 at the age of 68, was well known by many for regularly washing windows of downtown businesses and singing by Rudy’s on the weekends.
‘Jack was, among other things, an incredibly talented musician who played from his heart, and brightened the day of many a passerby as he joyfully played his guitar,” said Paul Angelini in honor of his longtime friend. “He had a contagious smile and sense of humor lifted the hearts and souls of those around him? dark moods and sadness were banished in his presence,?
Friends set up a Facebook page in his honor, reading ‘Jack Barry was a hell of a guy, a talented classical guitarist, devout Catholic, and friend to all who knew him. He liked philosophy and beer.?
Barry was always witty, full of philosophical knowledge and wisdom, and loved poetry, they said.
‘What a character ? miss him,? wrote Karen Erdody. ‘He truly was a incredible kind loving and spiritual man.?
Angelini said Barry played each weekend in his booth at the Farmers Market.
‘He could be found strumming his sweet melodies and hypnotic rhythms as he played flamenco, blues, and everywhere in between,’Angelini added.
Barry was a wise mentor who offered deep wisdom, sincerity, and compassion, his friend said.
“We would spend hours talking at the market between his sets, touching upon a myriad of topics, ranging from religion and philosophy,” Angelini said.
‘He was always around to help out, always enthusiastic to work around the house, play music at parties ? Jack played the music when I walked down the aisle at my wedding. Our friendship sure was strange, but I will never forget him and I am so sad to see him go,? said Megan Casey.
On Feb. 12, L.A Caf? in Waterford held a Memorial Concert and Open Mic Night in Barry’s honor. The event at L.A Caf? was standing room only after so many people showed up to pay tribute to a friend.
‘One of my favorite things of working at the LA Caf? for so long was getting to know Jack,? said Thomas Coleman.
Erdody said Barry was looking down at the L.A Caf? event Friday and would have been so pleased by the gathering, which included fellow musicians.
Mary Barry, Jack’s sister, thanked those who shared memories and provided support after Jack passed away. She added her brother was always sharing his faith, music, and passion. Jack was a very talented musician. His music can be found at www.cdbaby.com/m/cd/jackbarry