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Ronald Barr Obituary
April 8, 2011
Ronald G. "Chuck" Barr, 77, died Friday surrounded by his loving family at his home in Hamburg.
Born in Hamburg, he was a son of the late Joseph and Florence Barr.
At the age of 17, he joined the Marine Corps and served in a tank battalion in Korea in 1951-52.
He worked at Hamburg Plow Works and later became a painter, most recently at the Hamburg Center, until his retirement.
Music was his great joy. He began with country western music, playing with several local bands. He moved on to rock 'n' roll, with the Rockabillies and then the Playboys. Loss of hearing curtailed his music for a time, but ear surgery brought it back. His love of folk music, especially Irish, led to the formation of The Shanachians. This group was well-known in Berks and Schuylkill counties and beyond. Later, as a solo performer and song writer, he continued to sing and tell stories for a wide variety of audiences. Although weakened by lung cancer, his last gig was with the Jalappa All-Stars in Centerport on Feb. 10.
Chuck's musical repertoire contained hundreds of songs, and he loved to bring smiles to people's faces with his endless store of jokes. He has made many friends here and across the sea in Ireland.
He faced his final illness, as he did everything, with courage.
Surviving are his wife, Janet; four sons, Joseph, Mohrsville, Michael, Torrance, Calif., Timothy, Schuylkill Haven, and Christopher, Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Juan Mengel, Strausstown.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Burkey and Driscoll Funeral Home Inc., Hamburg, has charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.burkeydriscoll.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Barr
Rich and Candy Dodson
May 9, 2011
Dear Janet and Family,
I could bore you with so many stories and experiences I had with Chuck but the is he gave us so much than just a song and entertainment. He colored our lives with his friendship and sharing of himself. I am sure though that the first thing that will pop into peoples minds when someone mentions his name will be his songs he sang with his fabulous voice and the songs he wrote for us like "Let The Music Take You Home". Well Chuck...Let The Music Take You Home", our dear friend.
Rich and Candy Dodson
May 7, 2011
Dear Janet and family,
We'll all miss him and remember the good times our family spent with him playing Irish music. My husband became very close to Chuck through the Shanachians and soon he was loved by all of us for the music,jokes and love he showed to us. I'll still play the music and smile when once again hear his voice and remember the happiness he brought to all of us.
The Dodsons, Reading Pa.
May 6, 2011
"Ronnie" Barr served with me with the Marine Guard company at the Philadelphia Naval Base in late 1952 through 1953. We were close to being the original "wild and crazy guys". The less description, the better.! I left the Corps a few months after him. I saw Ronnie only once again when I stopped in Hamburg and questioned where and what he was doing. I was directed to a local park where i found Ronnie doing a very creditable Hank Williams song. HOODA THUNKIT? I wish I could have seen him one more time! My very best to your whole family. Semper Fi.
Former Corporal, Later Sergeant, Robert W Bryson (Bobby)
Loretta Murphy-Birster
April 16, 2011
Dear Barr Family,
Chuck Barr left a legacy of folk music and history in his passing. He will remain an inspiration to those who walk in his footsteps. His memory and wonderful style of storytelling will be preserved in his songs and tales about Schuylkill County and the coal region. Many prayers and blessings to your family in this time of loss.
April 13, 2011
Dear Janet & Family,
When I was 10 years old I saw Chuck and the Playboys for the first time at a July 4th celebration at the Hamburg Park Bandstand. I was mesmerized by his music and singing. My parents bought me his new 45 record (Spanish Guitar?), which I still have, 53 years later. That Christmas my dad bought me my first guitar. I have spent a lifetime playing music both in bands and for my own pleasure. About 4 years ago, my mother, who was a resident in Providence House in Reading, mentioned Chuck had been in to play for the elderly residents. I couldn't believe he was still playing. I just wanted to pass on to you that while I never met Chuck, he was a major influence on my life, as I'm sure he was on many others. My mother, who went to Florida three years ago but is now back at Providence House, sent me a copy of Chuck's obituary. Please accept my condolences, but you and your family must know, and take great satisfaction in, that Chuck was able to give so much pleasure to so many.
Jim Kaag
Morris Plains, NJ
Larry Faust
April 13, 2011
Dear Tim and Family,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Chuck will be missed by many. He was an icon that will never be forgotten. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Larry & Debbie
April 13, 2011
Dear Janet & family,
Chuck has brought us many, many good memories from the early days until his passing. Chuck enjoyed telling jokes with Kenny when he played at Centerport. We were thankful to be able to visit with Chuck and talk about the good old days and the good times at Centerport. For our friends and family who passed before us...they have a wonderful entertainer in heaven.
'Til we meet again.
Kenny & LaRue Miller
Ann Heiser
April 11, 2011
Tim and Family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I can remember many summer nights on Washington Street listening to your Dad sing. He certainly will be fondly remembered and missed by many.
April 11, 2011
Dear Barr Family,
My husband and I met Chuck in GS Hospital in 2010 while they were both there. We enjoyed his sense of humor and stories so much and he even sang for us. He certainly brightened what was a long stay for my husband. Afterwards, Chuck sent us a package full of CDs and poetry, pictures and stories. He was a wonderful, generous man and it was so nice to meet him and spend time together.
God bless you in this trying time, and know that he is watching over your family. With deepest sympathy,
Joan & Ward Baxter
April 11, 2011
We met the "Irish Guy" a couple years ago when he came into our store for copies. He always had a story or joke to tell us, which we looked forward to. We will miss him as a customer and the entertainment that he brought us. His family is in our prayers.
Bonnie & Heidi
SOS Copy Center
Peggy Harshaw
April 10, 2011
May the good Lord be with the Barr family at this most difficult time.
Take comfort in the fact that so many admired and loved Chuck, his stories and his beautiful voice and his kind heart will always be remembered. He was a very special man and he made my son Rich Dodson a better person just for knowing and playing with him.
May God keep you all in the hallow of his hands.
In Symphony,
Peggy Harshaw
Carol Hull
April 10, 2011
My granddaughter & I met Chuck at the Blue Mountain Middle School Pool where it was a pleasure to "walk the water" with him each week. All Chuck's friends at the pool are missing him and consider it an absolute honor to have met him and shared a small part of his life. Our deepest sympathy to Chuck's family.
HELEN BECKER
April 10, 2011
Dear Janet and Family:
Please accept our condolences on the death of Chuck.
Helen and Norman Becker
Terrance Barr, Sr
April 10, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Uncle Chuck's passing. His music and memories will always stay with me forever. God bless you Ronnie and watch over the family during this time of grief. Rock on Uncle Chuck, Rock on...
Bruce Shollenberger
April 9, 2011
Janet, Joe, Mick, Tim, and Chris you have all been so fortunately blessed. My thoughts are with you all as you move forward through this difficult time.
Dallas Kramer
April 9, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Chuck & I worked together for several years together on the painting crew at Hamburg Center. We used to joke around together & have many fond memories. Our Sympathy goes out to Janet & family. Dallas & Brenda Kramer
April 9, 2011
I grew up with Chuck in the 50's. Remember the good times and fun at the park playing smear football. Always liked Chuck to be on my side. Chuck had the closest voice to Elvis I ever heard and did a first class job singing Elvis's songs. Few years back he entertained my family for my Irish Brother-in laws birthday in my back yard gazebo. Never to be forgotten !!
Bill Fink (Hamburg)
Matt Barr
April 9, 2011
Aunt Janet, Joe, Mick, Tim and Chris, I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Ronald today. When things were rough for me as a teenager, he came and talked to me and shared some family things with me that I have never forgotten. It really helped me understand some things that I probably would not have. He will be missed by many. And I will miss him as well. Today he is teaching the Irish folk songs to the angels. May God comfort you at this time of loss and carry you all through till one day we will all be together on the other shore. God Bless You all.
Matt, Barb and Shannon Barr
Cindy McElrea
April 9, 2011
Janet and family,
My deepest sympathy to all of you at this sad time. I have such wonderful memories of hearing Chuck sing with The Shanachians all those years and now with The Jalappa Gang. And like the Irish blessing says"Until we meet again,may God hold him in the palm of his hand." I'm listening to his music now and remembering that wonderful voice. Rest in peace Chuck.
Delphine and Bruce Altland
April 9, 2011
Chuck will be sadly missed by so many - he was a great entertainer and always filled the house at "Jamming" in Centerport. Just yesterday we were playing the CD that he gave us the last time we saw him. May he now rest in peace and continue his music in heaven.
Rachael Moyer
April 9, 2011
Jill, Ian and family
I am so sorry for your loss.
David Farrell
April 9, 2011
I remember Chuck from when I worked at Hamburg Center 1977-78. He encouraged me to visit Ireland, which I did. He was a great guy and I will always remember him.
Laura A. Murphy
April 9, 2011
My heart is heavy upon hearing of Chuck's passing. I was honored to meet Chuck 15 years ago when I joined The Shanachians and he was not only a mentor but a friend. I was fortunate enough to perform with him on many occasions and I will treasure those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and dear friends. Chuck touched so many lives and his legacy of love laughter and irish music lives on. "Let the Music Take you Home" my dear friend... it's not good-bye, it's till we meet again.
Laura A. Murphy
April 9, 2011
My heart is heavy upon hearing of Chuck's passing. I was honored to meet Chuck 15 years ago when I joined The Shanachians and he was not only a mentor but a friend. I was fortunate enough to perform with him on many occasions and I will treasure those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and dear friends. Chuck touched so many lives and his legacy of love laughter and irish music lives on. "Let the Music Take you Home" my dear friend... it's not good-bye
Laura A. Murphy
April 9, 2011
My heart is heavy upon hearing of Chuck's passing. I was honored to meet Chuck 15 years ago when I joined The Shanachians and he was not only a mentor but a friend. I was fortunate enough to perform with him on many occasions and I will treasure those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and dear friends. Chuck touched so many lives and his legacy of love laughter and irish music will live on. "Let the Music Take you Home" my dear friend... it's not good-bye
Deborah Gromlich-Hartline
April 9, 2011
Chuck was a friend of Spank and myself for many years when we all worked at Hamburg center. When my boys were little he invited us to an Irish wake in Lymeport and we got lost. The boys and I still talk about the fun we had and how much we enjoyed the day. I also have 3 tapes of the group singing. Chuck will be remembered in our family. Prayers for your family. Chuck was a great man, and will be remembered. Debbie Gromlich Hartline
MIKE DIAMOND
April 9, 2011
The Barr family....we all will miss ron,he has been a good friend over the years, coming to leesport on wednesdays always stopping to see me...and tell us an irish story, when i saw him on the week of st. pattys day, i gave him an irish story that i had printed, he sat down, and laughed and smiled, as he always did...his humor and friendship will greatly be missed...
Daniel Bell
April 9, 2011
Janet, I am sorry to see your husband passed away. I want to be there for you in whatever way I can. Pastor Bell
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