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Odell Barry — former Bronco, Northglenn mayor and prominent local businessman — dies at age 80

Odell Barry, the former Broncos player and Northglenn mayor who left an indelible impact on Denver, died Monday at the age of 80 after a battle with congestive heart disease.

Barry first made his name with the Broncos, but it was his post-football achievements that gilded his legacy. In 1980, he became the first Black elected mayor in a major city in Colorado. After his term was over Barry led a life rich in altruism, political activism, entrepreneurship and real estate.

“He was a mentor, a supporter, and someone who was a giant in our community and our state,” U.