Joseph Lawrence "Coach" Barry

Joseph "Joe, Coach" Lawrence Barry, beloved coach, teacher, husband, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 4th at 81. Joe dedicated over 20 years as a basketball coach for Miami University, where he was both mentor and friend to countless players and colleagues. Raised in Portsmouth, Ohio, he played basketball at Notre Dame High School, Ohio University, and was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He never met a stranger he didn't make feel like family. 

Joe married the love of his life, Mary Lou, 58 years ago, and they've been best friends ever since. Together, they embarked on adventures few could imagine-like moving with Mary Lou, their two children, and even their cat halfway around the world to Saudi Arabia to start a basketball team for the 1980 Olympics. He found joy in life's simple pleasures: family, the beach, a good whiskey, and a round of golf (which, according to Joe, he always won every match.)

Joe's legacy is his warmth, humor, and unwavering love for family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Bihl Barry; daughter Barbara Barry Davis and her partner David Azia; son Joseph J. Barry and his wife Maureen; and seven grandchildren: Jackson, Kate, Charlie, and Griffin Davis, and PJ, Patrick, and Joseph Barry. He is also survived by his sisters Judy Cook and Mary Hermann, his brother Jack Barry, and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, PJ and Doris Barry, and his brother, Mike Barry.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 22, at 11:00 am at Mt. Olivet, St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 400 S. Locust Street, Oxford, Ohio Family, friends, and all who wish to pay their respects are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation in Joe's memory to Autism Speaks. 

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