[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E713-E714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF BARRY WILLIAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to observe and mourn the 
passing of Barry Williams, a local civic champion who dedicated his 
life to bringing people together and who tirelessly advocated for 
social justice, the middle class, and the everyday working man and 
woman. Sadly, on May 2nd of this year--Barry passed away at the age of 
71 after a tough 17-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Barry's 
inspirational life, however, will never dissipate from our community's 
collective spirit as he treated everyone he encountered with love and 
humility, setting an immortalized example for us all to aspire to.
  Born in in 1949 in York, Maine--Barry and his family relocated to 
Waterford, Connecticut where Barry grew up and acquired his love for 
the coastline. Barry would spend many hours of his life enjoying the 
beach, fishing, or sailing, and was invigorated when he caught a fish, 
which wasn't often. Barry was an avid reader and eventually made a 
career of his love for books by attaining a degree at the University of 
Connecticut in Library Science then even returning to work for his alma 
mater as an acquisitions librarian.
  While working as a librarian, Barry was also an active member of the 
American Federation of Teachers (AFT local union and even worked his 
way up to become President of his local. Being elected to lead his 
union truly changed Barry and ignited a passion in him that he used to 
champion workers' rights throughout his life. While president of the 
union, Barry was admired for his ability to fight for his members but 
still maintain a loving and friendly personality and always face 
challenges with a positive attitude. Barry's accomplishments and 
dedication to his union gained him statewide notoriety and led to him 
being recruited as a Government Affairs Representative by Connecticut 
statewide AFT President George Springer. Hitting the ground running--
Barry made his mark and inspired all those around him with his 
willingness to put others before himself. Not only did Barry talk the 
talk but he was always out on the front lines with his brothers and 
sisters rallying for their right to equal opportunities and fairness in 
the workplace. Achieving milestone after milestone--Barry set himself 
apart as one of the top labor leaders in Connecticut and this led to 
his election in 1985 to represent all workers in the state as the 
Secretary Treasurer of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.
  Now a true and tried advocate in the world of unions, Barry decided 
to go independent and start his own lobbying firm to represent unions 
and non-profits in 1987. With all the statewide connections he had 
developed in his decades of organizing and union work--Barry quickly 
gained traction as someone who could bring opposing sides to the table 
to talk, and he also became known for a little secret weapon in 
breaking the ice between opposing forces--his famous homemade bread. 
Barry was truly a master negotiator because he never lamented, and his 
genuine and happy nature rubbed off on all those around him which made 
coming to agreements easier for all parties. Barry continued a very 
successful lobbying career until later in life when he would receive a 
devastating diagnosis with Parkinson's disease which would lead to his 
retirement. Barry however as expected, did not let the disease damper 
his love for life and for bringing happiness to all those around him. 
Even when he was in the later stages of his life in the Hebrew Center 
for Health and Rehabilitation in West Hartford--his positive demeanor 
gained him the nickname, ``the Mayor,'' as he was so loved by his 
fellow residents and staff. Even up until his last Christmas, Barry 
grew out his beard to transform himself into Santa to pass out small 
gifts and candy to fellow residents.
  Madam Speaker, the loss of Barry leaves a deep void in Connecticut as 
he was a unifier who brought people of both sides of the aisle 
together. I ask that my colleagues and this Chamber to join me in 
expressing our deepest respect for Barry's work and life and send our 
deepest condolences to the Williams Family. Barry is survived by his 
wife Susan, children Colby, Jake, Sam, Patel, his sisters Sedona and 
Kathi, and many other family members and friends who will carry the 
lasting memory of Barry in their hearts so that his joy, laughter, and 
compassion will continue to carry on.

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