Richard “Barry” Chisholm

Richard “Barry” Chisholm, 80, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away on August 18, 2026.

Barry was born on July 29, 1946, in Malden, Massachusetts, to Don and Verna Chisholm. One of seven children, he shared an exceptionally close bond with his brothers and sisters throughout his life. He graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1964 and immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a structural mechanic at the Naval Air Station in Milton, Florida. It was during his Navy service that Barry learned to weld, beginning what would become a lifelong passion and remarkable career.

After completing his military service, Barry returned home to Vero Beach and began working for DePetro Iron Works before eventually founding Barry Ornamental Iron.

Barry was a truly gifted craftsman. He had a rare ability to look at iron or steel, envision what it could become, and then create it. His work can still be found throughout Indian River County and far beyond—from beautiful entrance gates and spiral staircases in countless homes to major custom projects at Couples Resort in Jamaica and a three-story continuous handrail at Las Olas Towers.

Barry was also an early pioneer of wireframe Christmas decorations, creating lighted deer, angels, Santa Clauses, and other holiday displays long before they became commonplace.

But Barry’s greatest professional legacy wasn’t simply what he built—it was the people he taught.

Countless fabricators learned their trade at Barry Ornamental Iron, and many went on to establish successful careers and businesses of their own. Barry freely shared his knowledge and was always willing to help others succeed. Those who knew him in the industry have remembered him as an amazing craftsman, a mentor, and a legend in his trade.

At the center of Barry’s life was his high school sweetheart, Carolyn. Together they built a life centered around family, friends, and generosity. On August 12, 2026, just six days before Barry’s passing, Barry and Carolyn celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Together they raised three sons: Bryan (Amy) Chisholm and twins Kevan (Christin) Chisholm and Keith (Nikki) Chisholm. Kevan and Keith were the first set of twins born at the new Indian River Memorial Hospital.

Barry was outspoken, larger than life, and truly never knew a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and no matter how far from home his family traveled, somehow Barry would run into someone he knew.

Beneath that larger-than-life personality was an extraordinarily generous man. If a family member or friend needed help, Barry would drop what he was doing to be there. He gave freely of his time, his knowledge, and his talents, never hesitating to help someone else succeed.

Barry also loved to cook. He and Carolyn were known for making enough food to feed what seemed like an entire town. When they were finished, they would often pack up what they had made and deliver it to friends. It was a simple reflection of the way Barry lived his life—if he had something he could share, he shared it.

Above all, Barry loved his family. He was immensely proud of his sons and adored his ten grandchildren: Austin, Sophia, Zack, Emily, Katie, Ryker, Brady, Payton, Elijah, and Parker. He made it a priority to be present for their milestones, accomplishments, and celebrations.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Carolyn Chisholm; his sons, Bryan (Amy) Chisholm, Kevan (Christin) Chisholm, and Keith (Nikki) Chisholm; his ten grandchildren, Austin, Sophia, Zack, Emily, Katie, Ryker, Brady, Payton, Elijah, and Parker; and his siblings, Scott Chisholm, Steve Chisholm, Laura Kelly, Sandy Brocket, and Suzan Roguski.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Verna Chisholm, and his brother Bobby Chisholm, who passed away at the age of 18.

A Celebration of Life honoring Barry will be held 12:00-4:00 p.m., October 4, 2026, at 6050 57^th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32967.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.