Joan Barry

Forestport – Joan Barry, 83, of School Street, widow of Thomas, passed away in the comfort of her home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Joan was born in Syracuse, NY on September 8, 1942, a daughter of Henry and Mildred Gallagher Dirnhofer. A lifelong resident of Forestport, she grew up on River St., and was a graduate of Forestport High School with the Class of 1961.  She then furthered her education at the Utica School of Commerce. 

On July 20, 1963, Joan was united in marriage with Thomas W. Barry at St. Patrick’s Church.  The couple settled on School St. where they raised their family.  For a time Joan was employed at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital in New Hartford where she was a medical receptionist.  For more than 30 years, Joan babysat for family, friends, and neighbors in town.  The passionate and loving childcare she provided will be cherished and missed by many. 

Joan very much enjoyed traveling through the years, taking trips to Branson, MO, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, visiting her family in Illinois, and especially taking yearly trips to Disneyland in Florida.  She was very talented at knitting, and enjoyed gifting her crafts to others.  Joan was also an excellent cook and baker, and will fondly remembered for the delicious custard apple pie.

She is survived by her children: Michael Barry (Kim Degener), Schenectady, JoAnn Barry, Forestport, Darlene Witt, Jerseyville, IL, Annette (Todd) Kuehnhold, Forestport, and Jacquelyn Moran, Boonville; grandchildren, great grandchildren a sister, Jean Mooney, Forestport, and a sister-in-law Alice Combs, Forestport, and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Thomas on November 1, 2015, and an infant sister Sarah Dirnhofer.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 1:00 pm at St. Patrick’s Church, Forestport, with Rev. Thomas Ward officiating.  Interment in the spring will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Forestport.  Calling hours will be held on Wed. March 4, from 10:00 am until 12:00 Noon at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.   Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church, c/o Christ Our Hope Catholic Community, 108 Charles St. Boonville, NY 13309.

For an online message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.