Barry passed away suddenly Sunday evening, August 21, 2022 at his home in Chelsea.  He was 82 years of age.  Born and raised in Chelsea, Barry was a proud, lifelong resident of the City.  Son of the late David Leo Dwyer and Hazel G. (Escott).  Barry attended Chelsea Public Schools and graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1959.  He continued his education by attending Suffolk University, receiving a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts and Science in 1981.  Barry began working at Wonderland Dog Track when he was a young man of 16.  He loved being at the dog track.  He retired as a window clerk when the track closed in 2010, but over the years Barry had many jobs at the track.  He began his career there by leading off with the dogs.  Barry had a larger than life personality.  He loved his Chelsea Community and he loved helping people.  He was in the National Guard, serving the Commonwealth of MA, helping where he was needed.  Barry held many jobs over the years in addition to working at the dog track.  Although he never became a teacher, he had a passion for education and teaching.  He worked as a substitute teacher in Chelsea Public Schools and he became the boys cross country head coach at Chelsea High School in 1971.  He built the program into what was considered the greatest dynasty in the history of CHS athletics.  As head coach of the CHS cross country and track programs, Barry led his Chelsea teams to win multiple Commonwealth Athletic Conference titles.  Because of his love and devotion to coaching, the athletes and the sport, J Barry Dwyer was inducted into the Chelsea High Athletic Hall of Fame.  He had a very special relationship with all of the athletes he worked with.  He considered all of them his children and they too felt the incredible special bond with Barry, many of which remained in contact with Barry.  Barry was still actively involved with the Greater Boston League until his sudden passing.  He was also a bridge tender at the Chelsea St. Bridge, another job which he thoroughly enjoyed. Barry will be forever cherished by his loving family, his friends and all of the athletes he coached over the years.

Barry was the beloved husband of Mary R. (Anthony) Dwyer of Chelsea, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.  Devoted father of Andrew P. Dwyer and his wife Stephanie of Chelsea and the late Barry David Dwyer.  Dear brother of William Dwyer of Chelsea, Robert Dwyer of PA, Linda Gymziak of Georgetown, Michael Dwyer of PA, Jackie Skidell of Saugus and the late David Dwyer, Kathy Dwyer, and Ricky Dwyer.  Adored grandfather of Tennyson Dwyer, Logan Dwyer and Lincoln Dwyer, all of Chelsea.  Also lovingly survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., CHELSEA, on Friday, August 26, 2022 from 9:30 – 12:00 Noon.  Funeral services will follow the visitation in the Funeral Home at 12:00 Noon.  Services will conclude with interment in the family lot at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.

We encourage family and friends to offer condolences by means of the online guest book below or to send a personalized sympathy card.