John Barry McGrath: June 6, 1937 – April 29, 2018

Posted on Apr 29 2018 - 9:06am by DV

Barry, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, 9/6/37. He attended St John’s High School in Worcester, and accepted a full basketball scholarship to Boston College. His freshman year, his team went 18-1. Barry’s Senior Basketball Season (1958/59, Boston College made their 1st invitation to the NCAA Div. 1, Basketball Tournament). In 1998 Barry was inducted into Boston College Hall Fame. Ceremony was conducted at the Syracuse ~ B.C. football game during half time.

Barry had quite a teaching (English Literature) career at University High, now Cathedral. Barry also coach University High Tennis Team to a CIF championship. He retired from teaching in the juvenile court system. His students in the court system really needed an understanding teacher and friend, and that was Barry.

Barry, loved being close to the ocean and the sun. He built his house overlooking the surf in Carlsbad as close to the ocean as possible and enjoyed body surfing. Unfortunately, Barry was very sensitive to the sun and he had many visits to the dermatologist over the years. Early this year, recovering from a fall, he notes a dark spot on his ankle that appeared to enlarge very quickly and was diagnosed with Merkle Cell Carcinoma. This is a very aggressive cancer and took our friend very quick. Barry passed away 2:07 AM on April 29, 2018.