Barry L. Newcomb, 69, of Methuen, MA passed away on February 5th, 2016 due to complications of throat cancer.

Barry was born in Newton, MA and attended Haverhill High School leaving to join the U.S. Navy.  He served for six years including a deployment to the Mediterranean on the Garcia class frigate, USS Koelsch, which provided escort through all of the major ports in Europe and earned him Plank Owner status.

He spent his working years in the automotive retail industry, including many years as an Auto Service Advisor for Arthur and Phyllis Park, owners of the AE Park Porsche and Audi dealership in Lawrence, MA next door to the Cedar Crest Restaurant.

Barry was a proud confirmed bachelor until he was 35 and met his wife Becky (Rebecca A. Deshaies). They spent the next 34 years together and it was fact that he loved his wife deeply and unconditionally.   They took many cruise vacations and spent countless hours handicapping thoroughbreds at Rockingham Park.  He loved his coy pond, gardening, playing cards, eating well, watching New England Patriots football and playing pool.  His music centered on Roy Orbison and Jimmy Buffet to the extreme that his good friend would hide his Buffet CD’s for a change of pace.   Barry lived and loved his life his way.

Besides his wife, he was predeceased by his mother, Lena M. (McPherson) Newcomb and his brother Bruce E. Newcomb.  He also leaves his mother-in-law, Marilyn J. Virella, his brother-in-law, Eric R. Deshaies and Eric’s son Jeremiah Deshaies plus their extended family, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

However, Barry was most close to his great friends and his ‘other’ family, Dave & Liz (Irene) Alexander, their children David and Christine Alexander and her three boys with companion Frederick Foss, Ethan, Timothy and Harrison Foss.  He loved and would do anything for all of them and was very grateful how helpful, supportive and caring they were this past year to not only his wife, but his Australian Cattle dog Addie, after he fell ill. 

Honoring Barry’s wishes, services and burial will be private.  He wanted no one to go out of their way to make any contributions or send flowers but gave his blessing to recognizing and helping the MSPCA as he sincerely cared about all animals that needed assistance of any kind.  Arrangements are by The Charles F. Dewhirst Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Methuen.  To send an online condolence, please go to www.dewhirstfuneral.com or www.facebook.com/DewhirstFuneralHome. 

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