Norman Barry

Norm Barry never took life for granted. No matter what came his way, he remained strong and positive, and always looked on the bright side of things. A wonderful father, son, brother, and friend, Norm loved bringing laughter to the days of others. Honest to the core, he lived by the golden rule and treated others the way he liked being treated. Norm appreciated the many blessings that came his way, and in everything he did, he put his heart into it and gave it his all. For all that he was and more, Norm will be dearly missed.

Norman Edward Barry was born on November 20, 1965 in Detroit, Michigan to Michael and Susan Barry.

Having grown up in the Detroit area where he attended the local schools, Norm loved sports of all sorts and especially loved playing and running around with his three younger brothers, Michael, Patrick, and Daniel. His father worked at Taystee Bread while his mother had her hands full as a busy homemaker looking after four rambunctious sons. Like many of his generation, Norm’s youth was filled with neighborhood friends, riding his bike everywhere and playing outside until the street lights came on.

In 1976, Norm and his family moved from Detroit to the city of Livonia where he began his junior high school education. As a teen he loved music and was even part of the band throughout high school. Although he played the tuba, Norm was quite talented at playing many instruments. During high school he earned the nickname “The King”, was a member of the wrestling team and later he went on to become a wrestling coach himself.

Following high school, Norm worked with his father at Taystee bread for many years, and eventually he found his niche as a real estate agent. Something was missing for Norm, and before long he began taking classes to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. His career choice in the medical field as a PTA was a perfect fit for Norm. He loved helping people, and with his encouraging nature, he helped many along the way.

It was during these early years in Norm’s life that he came to know the love only a loving father can feel. Norm counted the day of his son, Alexander James Barry’s birth as the greatest and happiest day of his life. He was also a wonderful brother, and one of the greatest uncles to his nieces, nephews, and great-nephew whom he loved dearly. Norm was a friend of many and would help any of them, day or night when called upon. When Norm became a friend to someone, he was a friend for life. And whether family or friend, he was honest and loyal. In fact, he even held the honor of being called “uncle” by many of his good friends’ kids.

Norm absolutely loved the holidays with family and friends. A big kid at heart, he especially loved Christmas time. St. Patrick’s Day was another memorable time to share with Norm as he never failed to meet up with everyone in Corktown to celebrate the special day each year. Along with doing the work he loved, being surrounded by those he loved and spending great times with close friends, Norm enjoyed leisurely bike rides in his free time and never passed up an opportunity to head down to a Tiger’s baseball game. An avid Detroit sports fan, he never failed to have a Detroit Tigers, Lions or Red Wings baseball cap, jersey, or t-shirt of his favorite teams. He was a huge Michigan State University fan, making his nieces and nephews dress in MSU clothes despite their parents’ protests. When it came to movies, his favorites included Reservoir Dogs, Caddyshack and The Natural. Although he didn’t watch too much TV, Seinfeld and Game of Thrones were his shows of choice.

Norm Barry’s life was filled with people he loved and friends he considered family. He lived a life of integrity which was clearly evident by his honest nature. Although he was often described as “the best” by everyone he knew, mere words cannot convey the impact Norm’s life had on those around him. He loved making each day brighter filled with a little laughter, and despite some of the tough times and trials he had come through, Norm always remained strong and made the best of any situation with a positive light. His sudden passing leaves such a void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved him, yet Norm’s giving heart lives on through those he touched with ways all his own.

Norman Edward Barry, 51, passed away suddenly September 16, 2017. He was the loving father of Alex; the beloved son of Michael and Susan; and the cherished brother of Michael (Karen), Patrick (Kelly), and Daniel. Norm’s family will receive friends Wednesday from 5-9 PM and Thursday from 2-9 PM at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd. (between Merriman and Middlebelt), Livonia, where his funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00 AM. To sign Norm’s online guestbook, please visit www.TurowskiFuneralHome.com.