Thursday, 4:30 PM
State trooper laid to rest
By Mac Daniel, Globe staff
State police Trooper Paul F. Barry, killed last week after his cruiser struck a parked dump truck while returning from an overnight detail, was laid to rest today with full honors from his fellow officers and friends.
They packed St. Mark's Church in Dorchester to remember a father who leaves behind seven children, all under 11 years old.
Governor Mitt Romney, Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey and an estimated 600 Massachusetts State Police officers as well as honor guards from as far away as California joined the Catholic funeral service, which honored Barry's work and family.
He was later buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery with full honors, including a 21-gun salute.
Barry, 39, of Franklin, who was to be buried in his uniform, died last week of injuries suffered after his marked State police cruiser hit the rear bed of a six-wheeled dump truck which witnesses said was parked precariously close to the roadway on Interstate 495 in Wrentham.
He was returning home from an overnight security detail at Boston's Big Dig. The investigation into his death continues.
Barry's brother, Edward, said his brother had "no greater desire than playing with his children, even if it meant sacrificing time for himself."
His wife, Maryellen, spoke via digital recorder to the audience and her seven children, telling them she was "so sorry this happened to our family" and that "things will get better."
