Barry William Dolley died peacefully at home in Harpswell on May 31, among loving family, following a long battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Winslow before retiring to Harpswell in 2005 with his wife, Sandy.
Born prematurely at 3 pounds, 2 ounces on Nov. 8, 1939, Barry defied expectations from the beginning. During his early school years, the teachers, try as they might, were able to cure him of neither his left-handedness nor his color blindness. Later in life, his grandchildren would take up the latter challenge, with the same result.
At Winslow high school, Barry played football and track, and excelled in industrial arts. He would sneak into school early mornings to work on projects in the shop. Barry won first place nationally for a desk that he made. He was voted most likely to succeed in his class.
Following high school, against his guidance counselor’s advice, Barry went to college. It was during his senior year of college that he met the love of his life, Sandra Adrienne Paradis. Although he believed he had no chance with her, they began dating, got married, and eventually settled in Winslow, where they raised their five children.
After graduation from Gorham State Teacher’s College, Barry began working as an industrial arts teacher. He had a lifelong love for building, and eventually left teaching to start building houses. He ventured into solar energy, and designed and built energy-efficient homes in central Maine during the 1970s and 1980s. He was ahead of his time.
People who knew Barry found him highly knowledgeable on a number of topics, particularly World War II and college football. And he could really tell a story. He had a rare talent for building furniture and cabinetry, and built many pieces that he gave to his children and loved ones. He was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi. He taught his children the value of hard work — all five of them went on to operate their own businesses.
Barry was predeceased by his parents, Donovan “Duke” and Rollande “Jackie” (Pelletier) Dolley; and by his loving wife, Sandy. He leaves behind his favorite brother, William Dolley and wife Bonnie; five children, Michelle Dolley and husband Gilles Langlois, Barry Dolley II, Jeffrey Dolley and wife Jessica, Shawn Dolley, and Reneé Dolley and friend Jim Sloan; seven grandchildren, Adrienne Dolley and fiancee Kristen Thompson, J. Luke Dolley, Adeline Dolley, William J. Dolley, Dylan Dolley, Liam Dolley, and Luke Dolley; a dear sister-in-law, Jolyne Paradis; Nieves Lanoy and son Lance; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
The family will host a celebration of life for Barry at the Village Inn, in Belgrade, on June 29 from 3-6 p.m. There will be plenty of food and all are welcome.
Barry was a self-made man, an innovator. He was intelligent, witty, compassionate to others and always willing to share. He was a fantastic cook, a gifted teacher and a great example in life. He will be dearly missed. The boy from Winslow did good.
