Obituary for Barry D Simpson
Franklin
Barry D. Simpson, 88, passed away peacefully in Franklin, April 9, 2024. He was born January 6, 1936, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Roy William and Nellie Gertrude (Powell) Simpson.
Barry married the late Lucy Picco Simpson in 1965, and they shared over 40 years of marriage filled with love and cherished memories, especially during their summers in Downeast Maine. He leaves behind a legacy of love, care, and laughter.
Barry's educational journey led him to graduate from Davenport High School in 1954 and later from Park University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama. His passion for storytelling and performance extended into his military service, where he spent three years entertaining US Troops as a cast member of the World Tour of Rolling Along in 1961. Throughout his life, Barry was a dedicated teacher in the English and Drama department for over 25 years. He took a sabbatical to travel the world, collecting folk stories and tales to share with his students at William Alexander in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. His commitment to education and creativity touched the lives of many.
Barry was a member of The National Country Dance and Song society, the Actors Equity Association, and the Screen Actors Guild. He also found joy in acting in community theatre at the Gallery Players in Park Slope. His love for community and the arts shone brightly in all aspects of his life.
Barry's passing was due to complications from advanced Parkinson’s, but his memory lives on through the countless lives he touched. He had a wide array of interests, from birdwatching to hiking, and from contra dancing to solving crossword puzzles. His love for blueberries, wine, and cheese was infectious, bringing people together in joy and celebration. Kind and generous, Barry had a gift for spreading joy wherever he went. He greeted everyone with a warm hug, shared jokes to make others smile, and treated every person as a friend. His positive spirit and love for life were truly remarkable. If you choose, donations can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation in his honor. A special message of gratitude goes out to all his caregivers who provided him with comfort and support throughout his journey.
He is survived by his wonderful daughter, Shelley Powell Simpson, and granddaughter “marvelous” Melissa, with her significant other Austin Teahl. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Byler, and fiancé Thomas Wentz and her children Laura and Brian Keith, JR and Tracy Richards and their families. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Lucille (Lucy) Simpson and brothers, Roy and Francis (Sonny) Simpson.
In his memory, Barry leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made the world a brighter place with his presence.
Friends are invited to call 4-6pm, Tues. April 16, 2024, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth where a memorial service will be held 11 am, Wed., April 17, 2024. Those unable to attend in person may watch the livestream at Forget Me Not
There will also be a Contra Dance at Cherryfield Academy at 7 pm, April 20, 2024. This dance will be in Barry’s honor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com
Barry D. Simpson, 88, passed away peacefully in Franklin, April 9, 2024. He was born January 6, 1936, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Roy William and Nellie Gertrude (Powell) Simpson.
Barry married the late Lucy Picco Simpson in 1965, and they shared over 40 years of marriage filled with love and cherished memories, especially during their summers in Downeast Maine. He leaves behind a legacy of love, care, and laughter.
Barry's educational journey led him to graduate from Davenport High School in 1954 and later from Park University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Drama. His passion for storytelling and performance extended into his military service, where he spent three years entertaining US Troops as a cast member of the World Tour of Rolling Along in 1961. Throughout his life, Barry was a dedicated teacher in the English and Drama department for over 25 years. He took a sabbatical to travel the world, collecting folk stories and tales to share with his students at William Alexander in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. His commitment to education and creativity touched the lives of many.
Barry was a member of The National Country Dance and Song society, the Actors Equity Association, and the Screen Actors Guild. He also found joy in acting in community theatre at the Gallery Players in Park Slope. His love for community and the arts shone brightly in all aspects of his life.
Barry's passing was due to complications from advanced Parkinson’s, but his memory lives on through the countless lives he touched. He had a wide array of interests, from birdwatching to hiking, and from contra dancing to solving crossword puzzles. His love for blueberries, wine, and cheese was infectious, bringing people together in joy and celebration. Kind and generous, Barry had a gift for spreading joy wherever he went. He greeted everyone with a warm hug, shared jokes to make others smile, and treated every person as a friend. His positive spirit and love for life were truly remarkable. If you choose, donations can be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation in his honor. A special message of gratitude goes out to all his caregivers who provided him with comfort and support throughout his journey.
He is survived by his wonderful daughter, Shelley Powell Simpson, and granddaughter “marvelous” Melissa, with her significant other Austin Teahl. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Byler, and fiancé Thomas Wentz and her children Laura and Brian Keith, JR and Tracy Richards and their families. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Lucille (Lucy) Simpson and brothers, Roy and Francis (Sonny) Simpson.
In his memory, Barry leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness that will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made the world a brighter place with his presence.
Friends are invited to call 4-6pm, Tues. April 16, 2024, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth where a memorial service will be held 11 am, Wed., April 17, 2024. Those unable to attend in person may watch the livestream at Forget Me Not
There will also be a Contra Dance at Cherryfield Academy at 7 pm, April 20, 2024. This dance will be in Barry’s honor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com