Carl R. Barry

Carl was born on March 9, 1933 in Donaldson, PA to Elmer Charles Barry and Hilda Updegrove Barry Stinner (Robert Stinner). After losing his father at the age of six, Carl elected to attend Girard College- a boarding school in Philadelphia for fatherless boys. After graduation, Carl worked for the US Navy on experimental aircraft armament. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany. During that time in 1954, he met the love of his life, Gerda Stronzik, at a dance. Carl quickly learned German, proposed to Gerda, and they married the following year. Carl and Gerda raised three wonderful children, Henry, Ralph, and Sandra. After the service, Carl worked in areas that allowed him to expand his skills, which led to his career as a scientific instrument maker for the National Bureau of Standards (now called the National Institute for Standards and Technology). Throughout his years of service, he was recognized and awarded numerous times for his performance and contributions to the field. After his retirement in 1986, he and Gerda moved from Silver Spring, MD to Alpine Lake Resort, WV. Carl and Gerda spent their retirement playing cards with friends, golfing, and traveling extensively before moving back to Silver Spring in 2015.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Gerda; son Henry (Terrie); daughter Sandra (Joseph); 7 grandchildren- Vanessa (Andrew), Melissa (Peter), Jeremy (Annie), Christopher, Elizabeth (Alex), Thomas (Rachelle), and Matthew; and 3 great grandchildren- Lucas, Alex, and Cameron. He is preceded in death by his son Ralph (Laura) and sister Marian.

Carl will be remembered as a loving husband and caring father/grandfather/great grandfather. His family was the joy of his life. His many friends will remember Carl as an engaged and generous community and Church member and a loyal friend with a penchant for vibrant storytelling.

A memorial service will be held for immediate family only on Thursday, November 19, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shepherd’s Table in Silver Spring, MD at www.shepherdstable.org/donate or the YMCA (San Diego County Chapter in honor of Carl’s son, Ralph) at www.ymcasd.org/give