David Barry Obituary

Dave Barry, beloved husband, father, stepfather and grandfather, passed away in his Colorado Springs home October 10, 2013. He was born in Boston, MA to John and Edith (Draper) Barry in 1939.

Dave began his professional drumming career while in high school in Houston. He attended the University of North Texas before being recruited to tour with the Danny Marshall Trio, playing in NYC and various jazz clubs in major cities around the country. In 1963 he moved to Reno, where he played with many national stars among who were Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Jimmy Durante, Shirley McLain, Nancy Wilson, and many others. When opportunities came to work in Los Angeles, he moved there where he became sought after to work with a variety of bands. He joined the musicians working on the Carol Burnett TV show, where he stayed for seven years before moving to San Diego.

Trumpeter Marvin Stamm stated, "Dave was one of the finest and most musical drummers in the business. He was extremely versatile and could interpret any style of music. He could hold a large orchestra together, all the time never forcing the issue. His innate sense of time and music brought everyone together. He had as great a heart for people as he did for music. He touched everyone who knew him."

In San Diego, Dave started a new career at the age of 50-going back to college to become a registered ultrasound sonographer. He worked at Swedish Medical Center in Denver before moving to Colorado Springs in 1998 where he worked at Colorado Springs Cardiologists until his retirement.

Beyond his family, friends and music, fishing was his most favorite pastime, and Los Barriles, Baja, Mexico, his heaven on earth.

Dave leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 15 years Jonna Barry, daughter Kathryn Stelljes (Mark), stepsons Thomas Eaves (Wendy), Matthew Gress, Andrew Gress (Katie), four grandchildren, and his precious dogs.

The family wishes to thank their neighbors, friends, and extended family for their loving embrace during Dave's illness. If you wish, you may honor Dave's memory with a donation to Pikes Peak Hospice or National Mill Dog Rescue.

A gathering in celebration of Dave's life will be held at the Patty Jewett Clubhouse, Nov. 2, 2-5 pm.

Una vida bien vivida.

Online Condolences: ShrineOfRemembrance.com