The Bridgeport man killed in a fire this week was an 85-year-old veteran. John Barry, who served in the Navy, died after his home on Hallock Street went up in flames Tuesday night.

Cindy Anderson, director of veterans affairs for Bridgeport, said she was in disbelief upon learning the news. She told News 12 that Barry used to be a regular at the Veterans Support Center but she hadn't seen him in a couple years.

"John was full of life. Everybody loved him, and he was very giving," Anderson said. "If you met him, he became an uncle or a brother. He was just that type of person."

Barry was a member of the American Legion and the Bridgeport Elk's Lodge.

Former state representative Chris Caruso said he knew Barry for over 30 years, first as a constituent, then a good friend.

"When you got to know John, he had a great sense of humor. He'd always laugh. He'd have something to say that made you laugh," Caruso shared. "He and I would often have breakfast on Saturday or Sunday." Caruso said he'll miss those conversations. Firefighters responded to Barry's home around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday but were unable to save him. The chief said the home did not have working smoke detectors.

RELATED: No working smoke detectors in deadly Bridgeport house fire, officials say "You know, John realized we're all going to face death, that's just part of life. But it's sad he had to face it this way," Caruso said. Barry grew up in the house where he died. He had a long career with the postal service before retiring some years ago. "He always knew everybody. Everybody knew him," Anderson recalled. "And his spirit will live on." "A great loss," Caruso told News 12. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Barry's cause and manner of death are pending.