Barry grew up in the town of Buckfield, graduating from Buckfield High School. He then went on to the University of Maine in Orono, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Barry is married to Roberta Jean (BJ), and they have two adult children, Bethany, and Brady, and six grandchildren. They have lived in Turner for the past 45 years and have been involved in youth sports; organizing and coaching football, basketball, baseball, and softball. They have been a member of the Leavitt Sports Family, and a 45-year member of Nezinscot Lodge. Barry and BJ are retired and enjoy their grandchildren, travel, woodworking, hunting, fishing, and golf.
Barry has served on the boards and in leadership roles of many civic and nonprofit groups, including Shriners Children’s Boston, Auburn Lewiston Rotary Club (charter member), Pathway, Sports Family, Institute of Management Accountants, Turner Village Cemetery Association, Friends of Central Maine Medical Center, and others.
In his work life, Barry has served as Internal Auditor, Accounting Manager, Controller and Chief Financial Officer. He has worked for State Mutual Life Assurance Company, Miller Industries, Geiger, Farm Credit and Kents Hill School, retiring in 2016.
Barry has devoted a significant amount of his time involved with Masonry and Shrine. He was raised as a Master Mason in Nezinscot Lodge in Turner in 1977 and served as Worshipful Master in 1984. He has served as District Ritual Instruction and District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maine. He is a Knight of the York Rite Cross of Honor, having served as the head of all York Rite masonic bodies. He holds the 33 rd degree in Scottish Rite. Barry served his lodge as Chaplain for many years and as secretary of the Nezinscot Lodge Association. He was a founding member of the building committee for the Lodge Hall.
Barry joined Kora Temple in 1986. He has been a member of the Cycle Corp, Kora Kraftsman and Finance Committee, and is currently the Treasurer of Kora Temple; having served as Treasurer for 10 years. He served on the Divan from 2008 to 2011 and was Potentate in 2012. Barry was instrumental in forming the Kora Shrine Foundation and is currently it’s President. Along with his wife BJ, he started the Kora Kares for Kids Fund which awards an annual scholarship. He formed the Kora Kraftsman in 2013 and continues to be its secretary. Barry has served on the Kora Temple Association Board of Directors. He is currently President of the Kora Cabiri. Along with BJ, he participated in the early years of the startup of the Feztival of Trees.
Barry and BJ enjoy support the mission of Shriners International: Having Fun and Helping Kids. They have committed a significant part of their lives to promote that mission at Kora Temple. As well as it’s important connection to Masonry.
