As a board member of the Chicago Area Project for over three decades?, Barry T. McNamara displayed all the courage, tenacity and fortitude of a warrior for young people involved in the justice system.  As a lawyer, he understood the significance of using legal remedies to create options for juvenile offenders – both inside and outside the courtroom.

Barry was a critical force in establishing the Illinois Commission on Juvenile Delinquency Prevention in 1976 and served as its last chair until the Commission disbanded in 1981.

Barry McNamara, who was born and raised in West Haven, died June 28 at his home in Chicago. He was 66. Mr. McNamara grew up with his parents, Joseph and Ann McNamara, in a home on Main Street in West Haven, where his beloved cousin, Joan Kidney, still resides. He went to Notre Dame High School, where he graduated in 1962 and then earned his bachelors degree at the University of Notre Dame and his law degree at Northwestern University Law School. Mr. McNamara went on to become an immensely talented trial lawyer. He and his wife, a retired Chicago judge, thrived in the city's legal and political circles, but they were most proud of their decision to become legal foster parents to Norma Reyes, now the Chicago City Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. Mr. McNamara died after fighting a lengthy and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He is survived by his wife, his foster daughter and numerous cousins.

A memorial service took place July 14 at Northwestern University Law School.