Neil R.R. Barry ’82

Our classmate and dear friend Neil Barry died Dec. 23, 2008, after a courageous six-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  

Neil fully understood his prognosis; through sheer will and the support of his wife and friends, he lived a full and active life even while he fought this disease.

Neil was born in California and spent most of his life there. Prior to Princeton, Neil attended Wellington College in England. Known to many people as “Nels,” he studied chemical engineering, played lightweight football, joined Dial Lodge, and was active in Triangle Club. After Princeton, Neil went to IBM and Booz Allen Hamilton, earning an M.B.A. at UCLA. Neil also founded his own firm, NRB Associates.

Neil married Rebecca Medina, who survives him, in 2003. They lived near Pasadena, where Neil became involved at Church of the Angels, helping with the bulletin, and, being a jack-of-all-trades, he was the go-to guy for Pastor Gaestel. He enjoyed hosting barbecues for friends and family and tried to stay in touch with them all. Neil was an active alumnus and developed even more Princeton friends post-graduation. We remember his spirit, loyalty, thoughtfulness, and his wonderful holiday cards.

The class and especially his Princeton roommates — Rick Byer, Neil Khilnani, Jim Nicholas, Vinny Baglio, Rob Schriesheim, and Ken Koenig — miss him.