Barry L. Thayer, 75, 'Danbury Institution'

Obituary via Cornell Memorial Home

Barry L. Thayer, 75, of Danbury, beloved husband of Antoinette (Muscara) Thayer, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. He was born in New London on June 15, 1940, son of the late Forest and Mabel (Berntsen) Thayer. He was a graduate of HARTT School of Music where met his future wife and majored in Music Education thus beginning his 40 year career.

After graduating from HARTT, Barry and Toni married on August 17, 1963, and settled down in Danbury. Mr. Thayer started teaching in the Danbury Public School System in 1963, retiring in 2003. He shared his love of music with students, both at school, and through private lessons at his home. Upon retirement, Barry founded Thayer Driver Education Center, where his passion for teaching continued.

He was well known and loved in the Danbury Community, being referred often as a Danbury Institution.

Barry and his wife, Toni, traveled extensively during their 52 years of marriage. In his younger years, he was a proud honorary member of the Catholic War Veterans, where he enjoyed weekly poker games, he was an avid Dodgers fan, and he was a member of The Danbury Symphony and the Grassy Plain Fife and Drum Corp.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, he will be sadly missed by his three cherished daughters, Debra Morris, Lisa Stalker and her husband Roger, and Ali Alaimo and her husband Patrick; his seven grandchildren, Thomas, Brooke, and Jack Morris, Michael Thayer, Kasey, Megan and Rachael Alaimo. He is also survived by his brother, David Thayer.

He was predeceased by his brother, John Casey.

He will also be missed by his extended family including all of his former coworkers, students, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday between the hours of 5-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the DHS Music Department, care of Nancy Golden. at 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd, Danbury, CT 06811