Donald Robert Barth

Donald Robert Barth, 84, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2024 surrounded by family.

Don was born to Charles Barth and Loretta Barth (Crowthers) on March 17, 1940 in Camden, NJ. During his childhood, he fostered his natural curiosity and aptitude for math, mechanics, and problem solving that would serve him well for the rest of his life. He attended Camden Catholic High School and La Salle College. During his high school years he met his beloved wife, Patricia Wittig Barth. Don and Pat raised their family in Falls Church, Virginia, and later retired to Shepherdstown, WV.

Don had a great sense of adventure. As a young man, he owned a '59 Corvette and was a member of a local hot rod club. Later, he was a motorcyclist, skier, and avid bicyclist. He was an enthusiastic traveler and lifelong learner.

Don started his distinguished career with the U.S. Government in the early 1970s by accepting a position as a Radio Broadcast Engineer with the Voice of America (VOA) in Washington, D.C. His assignments included working at the White House, traveling with the President, covering political conventions, symphonies, rocket launches, and numerous international trips. He received the U.S. Information Agency's Meritorious Honor Award in December 1983 for his work on modernizing newsroom operations.

His retirement in 1997 allowed Don to focus on what he loved most - his family and travel. His family adventures included regional bicycle tours, numerous cross-country driving trips, an Alaskan tour, trips to Europe, and annual family reunions on North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Don was a skilled craftsman with an understanding of everything mechanical, and an appreciation of well-made objects. He designed and constructed an entire addition on the family's home, built several grandfather clocks and other wooden furniture, and was especially fond of customizing his Ram truck for his long distance travel.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, his cherished big brother Msgr. Charles P Barth, and his sister Helen Barth. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Patricia; his three children, Karl Barth, Karen (Sean) Barth Sullivan, and Kris (Sarah) Barth; his five grandchildren, Ryan, Reed, Allie, Joey and Erin, and many other family members. He will be missed more than he would ever know.

A mass will be held in his honor on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Shepherdstown, WV at 11:00 am with a reception directly following the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to I Am ALS, or St. Agnes Catholic Church.