Barrett L. Gilchrist
Barrett L. "Barry" Gilchrist of Concord, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully, on Dec. 20, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 30, 1935, Barry was the son of the late George and Vesta Gilchrist. Barry grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, with his late sister, Janice E. Beliasov.
He graduated from Bowdoin College. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a seaman recruit (E-1), an experience that helped shape his lifelong sense of discipline and responsibility.
Following his military service, Barry built a career as a traveling building materials salesman, in a role that took him to every corner of New England. Because of that, he had an incredible sense of direction and was respected for his reliability, integrity, and loyalty.
For more than 50 years, Barry was a devoted member of Brae Burn Country Club. He cherished the club's history, and was a familiar and respected presence in the dining room, always impeccably dressed. He served on the club's New Member Committee, a role he valued as part of stewarding the club's traditions to the next generation of membership. In recognition of his long-standing commitment and contributions, he was later honored as an Honorary Member, the highest honor the club can award.
Less widely known, but deeply meaningful to those closest to him, was his remarkable gift as a singer. Music remained a lifelong passion for Barry.
But above all else, Barry was devoted to his family. He was married to the late Deborah S. Gilchrist for a remarkable 60 years and together, they built a life splitting time between Massachusetts and their summer cottage in Bayville, Maine.
In a profound sorrow of his later years, he was predeceased by both of his children, Barrett W. Gilchrist and Pamela G. Munnell, losses he bore with the quiet strength for which he was known.
Barry is survived by his son-in-law, Hamilton H. Munnell of Concord, New Hampshire; and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer K. Gilchrist of Weston, Massachusetts. He was the beloved grandfather of Stephanie G. Maloney and her husband, Michael J. Maloney, of Kittery, Maine, Jeffrey M. Gilchrist of Waltham, Massachusetts, Brittany H. Munnell of Portland, Maine and Christopher H. Munnell of Boston, Massachusetts; and, the cookie-loving great-grandfather of Rory and Cameron Maloney of Kittery, Maine. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, David C. Stafford and his wife, Charlotte D. Stafford.
Barry was deeply connected to the communities where he lived, whether he was in Waban, Wellesley or Bayville. He served many years on the Board of Overseers for the Bayville Village Corporation. He enjoyed golf, reading the newspaper from his deck, and a bowl of ice cream, no matter the season. He could always be counted on for a witty remark to help lighten the mood. Barry will be fondly remembered and loved by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, in 2026, for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, his family kindly suggests that gifts in Barry's memory may be sent to the Bayville Improvement Association, at 10 Edge Hill Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.

