Former Colleague Says Judge Barry Was a Go-To Guy

Judge Dennis Barry's death was a sudden shock to the legal and law enforcement communities in Racine County, certainly, but his friends are especially saddened.

Michael Phegley, a Racine attorney and Mount Pleasant municipal judge, worked with Barry for 23 years in both the criminal and family courts. He called Barry straightforward and honest.

"He was one of my favorite judges," he said. "I always knew exactly how to prepare for appearances before him because he was always clear about what he expected. And good or bad for the client, Judge Barry was always consistent and fair."

But Barry was also a happy and willing participant in the classroom, too.

Phegley teaches pre-law classes at Carthage, and Barry served as the frequent judge during mock trials.

"Judge Barry was always willing to jump in to help students understand the process," Phegley added. "He was a good go-to guy for almost anything, really."

Officiating marriage ceremonies was one of Barry's favorite parts of being a judge. He brought together Nicole Jones and Jon Thomas in the backyard of Nicole's mother's house in 1998.

"We were supposed to get married on the 4th of July, but the judge canceled at the last minute," Jones said. "But when we went to Judge Barry, he told us he would come by at 5 on his way home from work."

Barry not only lived up to his word, he put a lot of meaning into the ceremony. Jones said for a few years after, Barry would send them notes checking on their family.

"He was just really a wonderful man," she said. "It's so sad that this happened to him and his family."