Barry Gene Sprague, PhD, age 83, of Milford, New Hampshire, died peacefully in his sleep at the Merrimack Community Hospice Center in Merrimack, New Hampshire, on April 26, 2026.

Barry was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on July 31st, 1942, the son of Roland F. and Antoinette L. Sprague. He attended Milford schools and graduated from Bishop Bradley High School, Manchester, New Hampshire. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Anselm College.

Barry dedicated his life to the service of others. In 1965, he joined the Peace Corps as part of one of the earliest groups of volunteers to serve overseas. He was stationed in Malaysia, where he developed a lifelong love for the people, culture, and beauty of the country. Over the years, he returned often to visit the place and people who had become so dear to him.

His commitment to education led to a 37-year teaching career in Washington, DC. Barry earned his master’s degree from Antioch College and later his doctorate from California Coast University. He was not only a teacher but an extraordinary educator whose impact reached generations of students. He received numerous honors for his dedication to the children of Washington, D.C., including recognition as a Christa McAuliffe Fellow, an International Fulbright Scholar, and D.C. Teacher of the Year.

Barry’s passion for helping others continued throughout his life and into retirement in his hometown of Milford. He volunteered at the Still Good Shed in Milford, collected clothing for the Grey Nuns, the Rescue Mission, and Family Promise in Nashua, and donated Christmas items to Saint Patrick’s Church in Milford. He was also a familiar face at local flea markets, often arriving with items to sell and leaving with even more to give away to those in need.

Barry was predeceased by his parents and his brother Fred. He is survived by his sister, Bette Anne Brandon, of Milford, New Hampshire: his niece, Leah Brandon and her husband Mario Sarno of Milford New Hampshire; his nephew, Ian Brandon and his wife Erica of Nashua, New Hampshire; his nephew Adam Sprague and his wife Raina of Northwood, New Hampshire; his great-nephews Trevor Brandon, Ezra Brandon and Jaxson Sprague, and great-nieces Riley Brandon and Aria Sprague. He also leaves behind many dear friends, including Doris Taylor of Washington, DC, and Sylvia and Fred Chen of California, as well as cousins throughout the country.

Barry leaves behind a legacy of generosity, service, intellect, and kindness. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him, but the example he set will live on in the many lives he touched.

SERVICES:  A calling hour will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack, NH.  A mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:00 AM in the church.  Burial will conclude in the Riverside Cemetery, Milford, NH.  

Donations in Barry’s memory may be made to the Milford Firemen’s Relief Association.