Andover - ANDOVER – Barry McCloskey, 84, of Andover, MA passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026. He was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and was the son of John and Mae McCloskey. Barry attended Brooklyn Prep where he excelled in basketball and football. He received a football scholarship to Boston College. He graduated from the College of Steubenville in Ohio, received his Master's degree from SUNY at Stoneybrook, NY and earned his Doctor of Law from Boston College Law School.

Barry was drafted into the army in 1967. His first child was only 5 days old when he was sent to Vietnam. Father and daughter didn't see each other again until she was 14 months old.

Barry worked for the Federal Government for over 36 years, starting as an Immigration Agent. A highlight was being chosen to meet and process papers for Pope John Paul ll when the Pope visited Boston in 1979. After Immigration he worked as a Special Agent for the Defense Department until his retirement.

A teacher and coach at heart, Barry introduced sports to his two daughters as soon as they were able to walk, and he became a staunch supporter of women's sports. Barry coached girls' basketball at every grade level from 3rd through 12th, most notably for 15 years at St. Mary's H.S. in Lawrence, MA until the school closed in 1996. Today, he would be so excited to see how female athletes are finally getting their just rewards and well-deserved recognition.

Barry and his wife, Patty, shared a love of working with teenagers and a belief in the power of education. They joined the Andover A Better Chance (ABC) program as resident directors from 1983-1987 and again from 1997-2002. As live-in dorm parents, academic advisors, and counselors at the Andover ABC House, Barry and Patty embodied the program's mission to empower talented students of color through educational opportunity.

A born writer and wordsmith, Barry regularly contributed to the Lawrence Eagle Tribune's "Letters to the Editor" and, every fall, educated the ESPN guys about why their college football rankings made no sense.

We hope that Barry is now enjoying bottomless bowls of ice cream, walking on the beach, road-tripping, doing a NY Times crossword puzzle, and enjoying a great view of the game – right around the foul line, about 10 rows up.

Barry is survived by his wife, Patricia McCloskey, and his two daughters Shawna McCloskey and Erin McCloskey, all of Andover, MA., along with many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers John F. and Walter, and his sister Edythe Ann Cleary.

All are invited to attend a time of visitation on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Conte Funeral Home 17 Third Street, North Andover with remembrances and military honors starting at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America (https://vva.org/).