Police Specialist Richard “Dick” Barry PS-19
(1933-2024)
Dick was born December 29, 1933 to John and Margaret (Diersing) Barry. He attended Central Vocational High School and graduated in 1953.
He worked for Superior Pattern Company as a Pattern Maker from October 1953 to July 1955.
Dick joined the Cincinnati Police Division on July 3, 1955 in the 32nd Recruit Class. On October 10, 1955, he was promoted to Patrolman, issued Badge 733, and Assigned to District 5 (1024 York Street). He was rotated to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive) on April 16, 1956.
On November 27, 1956, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a military policeman at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver. He was honorably discharged in November 1958.
Patrolman Barry returned to the Division on December 7, 1958 and was assigned to District 2 (314 Broadway). On January 14, 1968, he was promoted to Specialist and issued Badge PS-91. Two years later, the Division combined District 2 into District 1. Then or later, Specialist Barry was transferred to the District 1 Investigative Unit. On September 4, 1983, he transferred to the Private Police Unit in the Traffic Section. Specialist Barry retired on November 15, 1986. He then was appointed as a Police Technician and Assigned to the Traffic Unit. He finally retired on January 1, 1999 with 44 years of service to his country and community and 15 letters of appreciation and/or commendation, including seven from Police Chiefs and one from the Hamilton County Sheriff.
Specialist Barry died during the afternoon of January 2, 2024, four days after his ninetieth birthday.
He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lee Barry, in 2016. We believe he is survived by his children, Rick (Tess) Barry, Gregory Barry, Vicki (John) Michael, and Michael (Sherry) Barry; grandchildren, Shane Barry, Luke Barry, Greg Barry, Scott Michael, Jessie Michael, Jenna Barry, and Katie Barry; and great-granddaughter, Aria Barry, Decklin Barry, and Joselyn Barry.
Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the Neidhard-Minges Funeral Home, 3155 Harrison Avenue, in Westwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Our Lady of Visitation Church, 3172 South Road. Burial to follow at St. Joseph (New) Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
© 2024 – All rights reserved to LT Stephen R. Kramer RET and the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum