Barry A. Kerwin

Barry Anthony Kerwin, age 77, of Genesee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after a long battle with advanced heart failure, having lived his life to the fullest.

Born in Milwaukee on September 19, 1948, to Norbert and Lorraine Kerwin, Barry spent most of his life in the Waukesha area. He attended Catholic Memorial High School, graduating with the class of 1966: “Hard as nails, tough as bricks; we’re the class of ‘66.”

Barry attended MATC and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and began working at Waukesha Foundry before proudly serving in the United States Army as a combat medic during the Vietnam War era, stationed in northern Italy. Upon returning home, he resumed his career at Waukesha Foundry, where he would spend more than four decades. He also completed his education, earning a business degree from Cardinal Stritch. He was a member of the American Foundrymen’s Society, the Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society, and the Steel Founders’ Society of America where he served a term as president. Through hard work and determination, Barry eventually became an owner and the president of Waukesha Foundry, leading the company through the latter half of his career.

While Barry took great pride in the foundry’s success, the people mattered most to him. He genuinely valued the relationships he built with employees, customers, suppliers, and industry colleagues, earning a reputation not only for understanding every aspect of the operation but also for appreciating the people whose hard work made it possible. He was the rare executive who was just as comfortable talking with someone on the foundry floor as he was in the boardroom.

Barry was also deeply committed to his community. He served on numerous boards and organizations throughout the years, generously giving both his time and leadership to causes he believed in. For example, he not only served as president of Eras Senior Network‘s (formerly Interfaith Senior Programs) but also participated in the Friendly Visitors program, establishing long relationships with clients. He was a strong advocate for promoting United Way’s impact in the business community. He believed in helping others, strengthening his community, and making a positive difference wherever he could.

Perhaps Barry's greatest gift was his ability to connect with people. He was genuinely interested in others and possessed a rare ability to make everyone feel welcome. His friendships stretched across decades and across the country. To Barry, close friends were never simply friends; they became family.

Barry was a lifelong sportsman and enthusiast for anything with a motor, having a particular passion for classic cars and motorcycles. He spent countless hours building, restoring, and driving them across state and country. He was an avid handball player, where he formed lifelong friendships through competition and camaraderie. Bird hunting held a special place in his heart, especially when shared with one or more of his five treasured brittanys that accompanied him over the years: Packer, Lambeau, Nitschke, Curly and McGee. And he was most certainly a proud Green Bay Packers shareholder.

Barry spent a lot of cherished time in Wisconsin's Northwoods, where countless weekends and vacations were enjoyed with family and friends. Whether hunting deer or grouse, riding dirt bikes, fishing, boating, berry picking, or simply sitting around the campfire telling stories, Barry appreciated all the nuances of life. Those who knew him well can easily picture him up north, dancing to Paul Simon with a cigar in one hand and a cocktail in the other, surrounded by loved ones, laughter, cribbage boards, and pool tables.

Above all else, Barry loved his family. He is survived by Joanie (Sibilsky) Kerwin, his beloved wife of 44 years; his children, Barry II (Amanda Rohde), Alexander (Lauren), Woodrow (Joanna), and Chelsea (Cory Cage); his cherished grandchildren Rose, Elwood, Vinny, Paulina, Oliver, Daniela and Wally; his brother, Tom Kerwin (Sue); his sister, Geri Dunbar (Roger); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, colleagues, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Gregory and Lance Kerwin, his parents Norbert and Lorraine Kerwin, as well as his stepfather John Lepkowski.

Barry's life was measured not only by the business he led and the organizations he served, but through the family he was surrounded by, the countless friendships he cultivated, the laughter he shared and the generosity he showed to others. His memory will live on, defined by his warmth, humor, generosity, and unmistakable zest for life. He has left an indelible impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Barry’s family would appreciate memorials to mikeroweworks.org; the United States Handball Association (online please use the unrestricted fund option adding “in memorial of Barry Kerwin” or call USHA and mention Barry Kerwin) or the Wisconsin Veterans Network Inc.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 9:00AM until 11:45AM at St. Paul Catholic Church, S38 W31602 Wern Way, Waukesha, WI (Corner of Hwy D & Hwy 83). Following visitation, a eulogy will begin at 11:45AM followed by the funeral Mass at 12:00 noon. Private interment will be at Prairie Home Cemetery, Waukesha.