Thomas R. Barry

Thomas R. Barry, age 84, passed away on April 6, 2025. Tom was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 14, 1940 to parents, Catherine and Raymond Barry. He later moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Nancy, in 2004. They were married on July 7, 2007. They have doted on each other for the last 21 years, Tom always made sure he showed his love each and every day.

Tom dropped out of High School to serve his country by joining the Army. He later returned to school to earn his GED. He would continue his education until he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. While earning his degrees, he worked up the ranks in the NYC Department of Corrections, eventually becoming a Warden. There he would oversee multiple jails, including Rikers Island and “The New Tombs”, known as the Manhattan House of Detention for Men. He was responsible for the redesign and modernization of the facilities themselves, leading to the facilities we have today. Tom retired from NYC and moved to Bexar County to become the Administrator for the Bexar County Jail. Finally, he started his 3rd career as a Criminal Justice Professor for UTSA, SAC and Our Lady of the Lake University.

Tom had many hobbies, his most notable being love for woodworking. He was adept with the lathe and created beautiful wood pieces. He enjoyed Saturday night dancing with Nancy. He also enjoyed bowling, especially with his friends. Tom enjoyed barbecuing at home with friends and family. He was especially proud of his homemade potato salad and baked beans. He lived both a full and influential life, not just in his career field, but also with those who knew him. He published his biography, The Diary of an Ordinary Man, in 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Raymond Barry; and his nephew, Raymond Barry. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Nancy; his children, Doreen Reynolds (Wesley), Michael Antinarella (Kimberly), Kevin Wood (Kelley), and Kristin York; his grandchildren, Kathryn, Lee, and Sean Reynolds; his sisters, Kathleen Manzo, Eleanor Roddy, and Gail Mantzaris (Steve); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E.

A Memorial Mass will follow at 12:30 P.M. at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, 1602 Thousand Oaks Drive.

Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.pcf.org)