Taunton man killed in construction accident, longtime union member and ‘Superman’ to his kids

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — A man from Taunton who fell to his death while working a construction job at Emerson College in Boston on Friday is being remembered as “Superman” to his two kids.

43-year-old Barry Medeiros died on Friday after he fell through scaffolding on Tremont Street.

In a Facebook post, a member of Laborers’ Local 721 based out of East Bridgewater shared that Medeiros was a longtime member of Laborers’ Local 721 and a skilled tradesman.

“Barry was the loving father of a 19-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son. Barry was the superman of his whole family and his loss is a shock to all who loved him and knew him,” the post states.

Medeiros’ obituary states that he enjoyed working in Boston and loved the city and its people, and was known to love the sites where he got to work; Most recently, Fenway Park, Boston University, and many other historical sites.

One of his most memorable job sites was helping to build Bass Pro Shop from the ground up, the obituary further states.

A GoFundMe, started by the mother of his children, will help raise money to support his kids through school.

“Barry’s children are both pursuing higher education as first-generation college students. Instead of moving into their respective colleges this week, his two children are planning for his final arrangements and grieving the sudden and tragic loss of their Superman,” states the GoFundMe.

In a statement shared on Friday, Emerson College President Jay Bernhardt said the school extended their deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Medeiros and their heartfelt support to anyone who may have witnessed the tragedy.

Medeiros fell from scaffolding on Tremont Street in Boston. (Courtesy of WCVB-TV)

“We are still learning more about what occurred, and are in open, ongoing contact with city authorities. They will manage the sharing of information including the identity of the individual and the circumstances surrounding this incident,” he said.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway at Saint Mary’s Square in Taunton.