Obituary: Thomas “Barry” McNulty

Sept. 3, 1930 – June 5, 2019 

Thomas Barry McNulty — “Barry” to all who knew him — 88, of Washington Island, died at Door County Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay.

He was born in Chicago, the son of William Philip McNulty and Jean (Mackenzie) McNulty. Barry graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, in 1948. He went on to study liberal arts and history at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1952. Barry married Anne Whitson Reisse in Illinois in 1957. They shared more than eight years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Whitson and William III.

Barry worked as a mortgage broker for United American Mortgage in Chicago for more than 30 years. In his retirement, he moved to Washington Island in Door County, a place he had visited for years earlier in life.

Barry coached Little League baseball for his son, William, in Glencoe, Illinois. He loved to read, especially history. Barry enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid hiker. He liked walking on Washington Island, usually right down the middle of the road!

Barry’s memory will live in the hearts of his son Whitson Barry McNulty of Hebron, Illinois; former wife, Anne Whipple of Lake Forest, Illinois; two granddaughters, Maya Cruz of Grass Valley, California, and Kira Felde of Schaumburg, Illinois; three grandchildren, Kassius, Jada, and Olive Cruz; longtime companion, Lynda Thompson of Charlotte, North Carolina; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son William Philip McNulty III; granddaughter, Anabel Lee McNulty; brother, William Philip McNulty II; and other relatives.

Barry will be laid to rest near family in All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois. No public services will be held.

A special thanks goes out to the staffs of Unity Hospice and Door County Medical Center for their care given to Barry.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay is assisting the McNulty family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Barry can be shared through his tribute page at caspersonfuneralhome.com.