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Barry E. Ashton

Passed 05/11/2026

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Obituary For Barry E. Ashton

Barry E. Ashton passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at The Current of South Shore Memory Care Unit. He was the son of the late Lawrence M. and Eva E. (Barry) Ashton of Rockland. He leaves behind his wife Susan A. (Howes) Ashton of 47 years and his three children, Michael E. (Kristina McElroy) of Virginia, Diane E. (Geoffrey Johanson) of Middleborough and Emily L. Ashton of Rockland along with his four grandchildren, several brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-law, and many cousins.

Barry lived his entire life in Rockland. He was a graduate of Holy Family School and Rockland High School, class of 1968.

A proud member of the Rockland Police Department, Barry began his career as an officer and was later promoted toDetective, Lieutenant, then Deputy Chief—a role he cherished deeply. He took great pride in serving the Town of Rockland and was truly fulfilled by his work of protecting and supporting others for over 32 years. He also worked as a civilian traffic control person and in security for several companies.

Barry volunteered at the Atlanta and Salt Lake City Olympics. He worked at the Vancouver Olympics. Barry also volunteered at the Boston Marathon for several years. He loved spending his winter months in Florida.

Barry was a proud member of the Rockland Fraternal Order of Eagles.

The Ashton family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Barry’s life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Family Church, 403 Union Street, Rockland, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, 92 Centre Ave,Rockland.

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Condolences

  • 05/13/2026

    Donna

  • 05/13/2026

    John Urquhart

    RIP Chief, from your Police, Fire and other Team Members of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics. You will be remembered.

  • 05/13/2026

    Michael Frates

    Barry was an exceptional human being, A true old school cop and a pleasure to know. May God Bless Barry and comfort his family. Michael Frates

  • 05/13/2026

    Cousin Paula

    As an older teenager, Barry's favorite song was "Yellow Submarine." He sang it constantly and we were all glad he became a policeman instead of a singer!

  • 05/13/2026

    Cheryl Izen

    It's been 16 years since I last saw Barry when we worked together at the Olympics in Vancouver, BC in Canada back in 2010. Barry's humour, wry sense of humour, and incredible sense of collaboration were awe inspiring - well missed by so many. RIP, kind sir.

  • 05/13/2026

    Gerben

    Our friend lt. Barry. We met during the summer Olympics in 1996. Stayed in touch and you visited us in Netherlands and we visited you and your family and friends in Rockland. Thanks mate for being our friend. Stay safe. Gerben and Marieke (rip), The Netherlands

  • 05/13/2026

    Alyssa Grushkin

    I used to work with him when I did Security and I just remember how kind hearted he was. May he rest in peace

  • 05/13/2026

    Ed O'Leary

    I used to see Barry here and there, he was a great guy. RIP brother Ed O'Leary Randolph PD RET

  • 05/13/2026

    Lisa

    I was lucky to get to know Barry when I cared for his Mother at Southwood Nursing Facilty! And our friendship remained there after. He was such a great man! Always a smile and full of laughs! I feel blessed for having him cross my path in this lifetime. My boys and I always brought him water when we saw him on details. He inspired my son to become a police officer as well. Barry you were definitely one of the great ones! Many people are going to miss you!

  • 05/13/2026

    Edward and Rosemarie Williams

    I'll always remember the times when after a heavy snow storm, everytime I would pick up my shovel and start clearing my drive way, Barry would magically appear behind on his snow plow and finish the job. He always was a true neighbor and friend.

  • 05/13/2026

    Mary and Frank

    Susan and Family. My heart is broken to hear this. Barry was one of the great ones. We had our laughs our cries and everything in between. We will miss that odd sense of humor.. Rest in the sweetest peace Barry..❤️.

  • 05/13/2026

    Judy walling

    To the Ashton and Howe famlies,.I am so sorry for your loss. Barry was an incredible man. Rockland has lost 🙏💔🙏another good man! Sorry Susan and Emily. Tom I am sorry For your great loss of your sister.God bless you all.

  • 05/12/2026

    susan Leary Eastman

    my sincere sympathy to Barry's family. I attended Holy Family School and Rockland high school with him. He was always a kick, always able to make one laugh, He will be missed

  • 05/12/2026

    James Day

    So sorry for your loss, Barry was a great man. May he rest in internal peace

  • 05/12/2026

    Joanne ( Duffy) and Kevin Haggerty

    Susan and family, so very sorry for your loss. God Bless

  • 05/12/2026

    Robert D. Keane

    To The Howes and Ashton Families, and to the Town of Rockland you definitely lost a good man there. I came to know him, as he had attended Rockland High School with my oldest brother and two sisters, plus I recall when he started out as an Auxiliary Police Officer then went on RPD Full-Time. He was a fair Police Officer and a good guy. RIP Barry.

  • 05/12/2026

    Robert D. Keane

  • 05/12/2026

    Paul Daigle

    Barry was a good man and friend.. He will be missed.

  • 05/12/2026

    Roberta Pratt

    Rest in peace Barry 💙🙏

  • 05/12/2026

    Bruce Watson

    Whether the streets of Rockland or Hanover mall Barry always kept us safe Rest In Peace leutenant

  • 05/12/2026

    Dianne Bohld

    May Barry rest in the sweetest of peace. Such a nice man🙏

  • 05/12/2026

    Janet

    Barry will be missed. Rest in peace, Barry.

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