Michael Stephen "Mike" Barry, 56, of Athens, PA passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA following his long courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 18, 1960 in Sayre, PA the son of Patrick and Barbara (Tilburg) Barry. Mike lived in Athens his whole life and attended Athens Area School District, graduating from Athens High in 1978. While in school, Mike met the love of his love, Shelley Simpson. He married his high school sweetheart in 1979 and recently they celebrated 37 years of marriage. Mike was an employee of the Sayre Area School District for 30 years. Upon his retirement in July of 2015, he held the position of Building and Grounds Supervisor. Mike served as a coach for Little League and Softball. He enjoyed golfing and was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. Mike loved spending time with his family and friends, especially travelling to see his son and daughter-in-law at Cat Island in the Bahamas. Mike continually put others before himself no matter the circumstance. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him and will be missed and remembered for his humbleness, graciousness, and love of life. He was well-known for his many years of service and commitment to the community of Athens and the Valley Area. Mike knew from the time he was young that he wanted to be a part of the local fire department. At the age of 18, he went straight to the Athens Borough Fire Department, let them know he wanted to be a fire fighter and they inducted him right then and there. Over the years, he held many ranks within the department and served as Chief for over 20 years. He was a Lifetime Member and even during his illness, he was very active within the department and was still the go-to guy for the personnel. Mike was a member of the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Company, the Greater Valley EMS Dive Team, and the Greater Valley Rapid Intervention Team. He also was a driver for Greater Valley EMS. He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Edward and Della Tilburg and paternal grandparents Harry and Betty Barry. Michael is survived by his loving wife Shelley Barry at home, son and daughter-in-law Jason M. and Tameron Barry of Cat Island, Bahamas, beloved niece Tracey Simpson White and her son Airman Broderick Jackson White of Mill Hall, PA, his parents Patrick and Barbara Barry of Athens, PA, brother Steve Barry of Chemung, NY, brother and sister-in-law Sean and Donna Barry of Endicott, NY, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends and family may call on Monday, August 8, 2016 from 3pm-5pm at the Athens Area High School, 401 West Frederick Street, Athens, PA. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5pm at the High School with Fire Chaplain Linda Rogers officiating. Memorial donations may be made in Michael's memory to: Athens Borough Fire Department, 2 River Street, Athens, PA 18810.