Barry Robert Totty was born December 26, 1968, in Sycamore; he was the son of Gene and Diane (Percy) Totty. He spent his whole life in the Sycamore area, attending Sycamore schools from kindergarten through high school graduation in 1986. Growing up, he spent much of his time on his grandparent's farm in Maple Park. Barry was a hard worker, delivering newspapers during junior high school and working on local farms during his high school years.

In 1986, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Desert Storm. Upon his return to Sycamore, he became a plumber/pipefitter and a member of Local 501. Barry also began acquiring and managing real estate, which became his life's work and his enjoyment. 

Barry Robert Totty passed away Monday, April 16, 2007, at the age of 38. Upon his death, he gave the ultimate gift of life; he became an organ donor so that others could live. Diane Totty established a Fund in 2008 at the DeKalb County Community Foundation in memory of her son Barry. The Barry Robert Totty Memorial Fund provides support to West Elementary School in Sycamore to benefit kids in the school, as determined by school leadership. The legacy of Barry lives on through this memorial Fund and his many contributions to the lives of others.