Former UConn Athletics Administrator Phil Barry Leaves Behind Longtime Wife, Lena And Four Children

Phil Barry, a former athlete who dedicated over 60 years of his life serving as the athletics administrator and a member of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, passed away on July 14, 2025.

The former UConn athletics administrator, Phil Barry, passed away peacefully at the age of 96, surrounded by his family.

Born in Willimantic, CT, on March 30, 1929, to the late Patrick and Rosa (Giraca) Barry, Phillip ‘Phil’ Paul Barry graduated from Windham High School in 1947, where he excelled in multiple sports, particularly in basketball and baseball.

Upon graduating from high school, Phil joined the University of Connecticut; however, his academic journey was interrupted by his service in the United States Army, where he completed officer training for two years during the Korean War.

After his release from the Army, Phil returned to UConn, graduating in 1954, and he began a lifelong affiliation with the institution in several positions.

The demise of veteran UConn employee Phil Barry has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Furthermore, the entire Connecticut community is recalling memories of Phil Barry and sending their heartfelt condolences to his longtime wife, children, and the entire family during this difficult time.

Phil Barry was not just an amazing athlete and athletic administrator, but also a great husband to his wife of 68 years, Lena Barry.

While very little information about his wife, Lena Gray Barry, is available, the late Phil Barry first met Lena after graduating from college.

Phil worked for two years at the Willimantic Trust Company, where he met his wife, Lena, by cashing her nursing payroll checks.

Similarly, the late Phil Barry loved spending time with his longtime wife, Lena, his kids, and grandchildren.

After retiring in October 1987, Phil enjoyed his life traveling to different places with his wife, Lena, and spending quality time with their grandchildren.

The Late Phil Barry Is Survived By His Four Kids, Nine Grandkids, And The Whole Family

In addition to his longtime wife, Lena Gray Barry, Phil Barry is also survived by his four children, including three sons: David (Lori) Barry, Douglas (Pamela) Barry, and Daniel (Julie) Barry, and his only daughter, Patricia Geissler.

Although very little information is available about his children, as they prefer to maintain a low profile, all four of his children attended E.O. Smith High School.

His son, David P Barry, graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University, and his daughter, Patricia A. Geissler, graduated from his alma mater, the University of Connecticut.

Likewise, his other son, Daniel Barry, worked as a sales representative at Brescome Barton, a Beverage Journal company.

In addition to his wife and children, left to cherish Phil Barry’s life are his nine grandchildren, who include Kristin (Philippe), Aylssa (Michael), Sean, Nikki, Jessica, Anna, Emma, Ryan, and Bradley, as well as his great-grandchildren, Daysia, Mariah, and Devin.

His granddaughter, Anna Barry, followed in his footsteps in sports, showcasing her amazing athletic skills while playing for Eastern Connecticut State University’s women’s volleyball team, where she won several honorable titles.

Anna was named All-Region, 4th overall in Eastern record book, All New England second team, offensive player of the year, and 5 times LEC Rookie of the Week.

Prior to her collegiate career, Anna Barry was a four-year member of the volleyball and basketball programs and also played softball at RHAM High School.

She won All-State honors in volleyball and basketball during her senior year and was named MVP of a volleyball state championship.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• The late Phil Barry began his career with UConn as Ticket Manager in the athletic department.
• He further became the business manager and then associate director of Athletics.
• Phil was honored with the Collegiate Athletic Business Manager of the Year award in 1975 from the College Athletic Business Management Association.