Velazquez on the Passing of Kevin Barry

Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding the passing of Carroll Gardens hero Kevin Barry:

"I am deeply saddened by the recent passing of Kevin Barry. He was a dear friend, entrepreneur, community volunteer and all-around good guy.

"As a young man, Kevin played football in the 1970s for the Philadelphia Eagles' taxi team. Though he faced health challenges later in life, nothing could stop his outgoing altruism, and his volunteer work to help others. I met Kevin in the early 1980s when we both worked in the office of Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns.

"Kevin was a food-guy, and he worked in the restaurant business all his life. His most recent restaurant Grandma's House he kept afloat after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and even expanded its reach.

"Kevin was a people-person with a talent for connecting people of broad backgrounds and giving back to his community. Kevin was always finding ways of feeding more people. He would cook all night for food pantries for the holidays. Kevin also provided food for many National Night Out Against Crime events and local public housing family days. Kevin also raised money for fighting childhood diseases for which he was recognized by his friend Jimmy Kimmel on his live show in Brooklyn. Kevin was also a tireless advocate for the environment and finding solutions to reduce truck traffic and waste.

"Kevin was one-of-a-kind who never knew how to stop helping others, even when his own health was in question. Going above and beyond was never in question for Kevin. He had the biggest heart, and he will be missed by his family, friends and all who loved him."

###