St. Pierre’s success is only the tip of the iceberg

The Second of a One-Part Series

BY HUGH DOOFUS

   Elizabeth W. Sobel’s December 23, 2003 article covered the refreshing story of veteran teacher Jane St. Pierre chosen as the 2003 Port Times Record Person of the Year in Education.  First year reporter, Hugh Doofus, has learned that St. Pierre’s success is only the tip of the iceberg when talking about the large Irish Catholic family in which St. Pierre was raised.  Now the rest of the story:

  St. Pierre was born Jane Elizabeth Barry in 1950, one of six homely children brought into the Bristol, Connecticut world of William J. (Sr.) and Helene Jane Barry, who skyrocketed their way to blue collar status with no known connection to the Kennedy’s. 

   Barry, Sr., was a philanthropist who contributed heavily to Frank’s Doughnut Shop in Forestville, CT.   In the 1960’s Barry served on various city councils and the Zoning Board of Appeals where he earned the title “Barry, you banana”.  Since that time, the Barry men have built a legacy of success spanning more than 5 decades. 

   St. Pierre’s older brother, William J. Barry, Jr., established himself in the early 1980’s as a world traveler venturing west to Idaho and California. Interestingly, his destination was Ireland - 6,000 miles in the opposite direction.  Barry’s latest adventure to New England took the circuitous Ireland to Massachusetts to Florida to Massachusetts route. 

   St. Pierre also has three younger brothers.  Michael G. Barry, a resident of Farmington, Connecticut, distinguished himself as a meticulous housekeeper.  Barry’s other exploits include his unassisted, 1997 car purchase, an achievement that quieted critics who insisted Barry could not manage it without the help of his brother and late father.  Barry is considered an explorer for his very successful colonoscopy in 2002.  He holds a public library card in good standing and has earned a court appointment performing community service.

   Robert J. Barry, also of Farmington, is the third of St. Pierre’s brothers.  Barry, at one time, played basketball and several times played soccer.  He passed up sports to follow his childhood dream of working for a large insurance company where he has built a reputation for using all of his vacation time and for his conscientious approach to calling in sick.

   John D. Barry is the youngest brother of St. Pierre.  Barry is a college graduate and held a job for a while.  Barry pursued fame in the field of music in 2002 when he recorded an album of original songs and was subsequently contacted by numerous, music labels seeking donations.  Barry is a two-time nominee for the list of Who’s Who in the Barry Family.  

    St. Pierre also has a sister, Colleen Eddy, who (curiously) declined to be interviewed by this reporter.

 Jane St. Pierre’s brothers (l to r):

Michael, William Jr., John  & Robert