Barry, Jerome

Description

Early Life

Jerome Augustus Barry Sr. was born on November 18, 1901, in New York, the son of John Michael Barry and JoAnna Cecilia Stroud. He grew up in Brooklyn as part of a large family, in a household shaped by the rhythms of early twentieth-century urban life.

Barry enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve Force on April 20, 1917, at the New York Navy Yard, giving his residence as 219 East 18th Street in Brooklyn. His early enlistment reflects the rapid mobilization of American forces following the United States’ entry into World War I.

World War I Service

Barry entered naval service as a Mess Attendant First Class. He served aboard the USS Kanawha from April 23, 1917, to September 13, 1918, a vessel that played a key role in fueling and supporting ships of the Atlantic Fleet.

Support ships such as the Kanawha were essential to sustaining naval operations during the Battle of the Atlantic, where Allied forces protected transatlantic shipping routes from German U-boat attacks, ensuring the continuous movement of troops and supplies to Europe.

He was later assigned overseas to Naval Base No. 19 at Lorient, France, and subsequently to naval hospital facilities. These assignments placed him within the Navy’s European logistics and medical support network, contributing to port operations and the care of personnel supporting the American Expeditionary Forces.

Following his overseas service, Barry returned to the United States and was discharged on July 8, 1919, with the rating of Seaman Second Class.

Life After Service

Following the war, Barry married Mary Alice O’Connor on March 17, 1921, in Harrison, New York, and together they raised four children. He became a prominent figure in civic life in Harrison, serving for sixteen years as a Town Councilman and playing an active role in local governance.

His public service extended into business and community leadership through his involvement with the Harrison Businessmen’s Association, the Chamber of Commerce, and work connected with the Federal Housing Authority. He was also deeply engaged in veterans’ affairs, serving as a charter member and past commander of American Legion Post 559 and participating in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Barry helped organize one of the first veterans’ service agencies in New York State and contributed to civil defense initiatives, including organizing Air Force ground observer posts during periods of national preparedness.

Jerome Augustus Barry Sr. died on January 7, 1974, at the age of seventy-two.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Mary Alice O’Connor Barry; his son, Jerome Barry Jr. of Ossining; his daughters, Mrs. Joseph (Doris) Arata of Harrison, Mrs. Harry (Georgianna) Dillman of Connecticut, and Mrs. Arthur (Allyson) Manfredo of Hopewell Junction; his brother, Arthur L. Barry of Hartford; his sister, Elizabeth Barry of New York City; and eleven grandchildren.

Record Commentary: Excellent record with strong civic dimension. Naval logistics role is clearly explained and properly tied to the Battle of the Atlantic. Postwar section is particularly strong, highlighting extensive public service and veteran leadership. Well balanced and highly compelling.

Tier Rating: A+