Clarence Barber

1943 - 2025

Clarence "Ray" Barber, 82, of Tyrone, PA., passed away on October 2, 2025 at Hilltop Healthcare in Altoona, following complications of Alzheimer's disease.

Ray was born February 25, 1943, in Bedford, Ohio, Ray was the youngest son of the late Gus and Garnet (Boswell) Barber. On April 19, 1980, he married Mary Jo (Panasiti) Barber at the Edith Davis Eve Memorial Chapel in Altoona.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, of Tyrone; two sons, Brandon (Katie) Barber of Pittsburgh and Nathan (Lindsey) Barber of Knoxville, TN; and four grandchildren-Maxwell, Eliza, Isla, and Lucas. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Paulene Barber of Virginia Beach; brother-in-law, Steve (Monica) Panasiti of Hollidaysburg; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Loretta Mosansky, Betty James, Eugene Barber, Doris Bonath, Glenn Barber, Pauline Thompson, and Gus Barber; along with his father- and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary (Szczerba) Panasiti.

A 1961 graduate of Nordonia High School in Macedonia, OH, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Korea. He was honorably discharged in January 1968. He later attended Kent State University and the Milwaukee School of Watch and Jewelry Repair.

Ray began his professional career in the jewelry industry with Medco Jewelry Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri, and later traveled extensively while working in operations for J.C. Penney's fine jewelry division. When J.C. Penney acquired its jewelry departments, he transitioned to Melville Corporation in Andover, Massachusetts, where he oversaw jewelry operations for Marshall's Department Stores. After years of travel, Ray and his family made their home in Pennsylvania, where he began a second career at Penn State University's Physical Plant. He retired in February 2011. During his time at Penn State, Ray converted from a lifelong Ohio State Buckeye fan to a passionate Penn State supporter-so much so that he dedicated an entire room in his home to Nittany Lion memorabilia.

Ray loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking, camping, gardening, canning, and restoring antiques. He was also an excellent cook who often prepared dinner to welcome his wife home each evening. He cherished traveling with family and friends, especially yearly trips to the eastern seaboard and the Outer Banks, and Saturdays spent tailgating at Penn State football games.

He was a former member of the Tyrone Elks Lodge 212, Tyrone American Legion Post 281, the Benedicts, and the Nittany Lion Club. He also volunteered with the Tyrone Honor Guard and the Boy Scouts of America for many years. A lifelong animal lover, Ray cared deeply for all creatures, and he is survived by his spirited cat, Asha.

The Barber family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Hilltop Healthcare for their many years of care, to AseraCare Hospice for their comfort and support in Ray's final days, and to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center for their ongoing encouragement.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, 115 W. 10th Street, Tyrone, PA., 16686.

Friends will be received from 12 Noon until the time of services at Richard H. Searer Funeral Home, Tyrone. Interment will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona, PA 16602.