Gerald S. "Jerry" Barr

Gerald S. Barr, of Philadelphia, passed away on Sunday evening, August 10, 2025. He was 89 years old.

Our father, Gerald (known to most as Jerry), was simply a true example of a man. He was an adoring husband, loving father, grandfather, and friend. He was firmly grounded in his faith. He defined himself through the unconditional love and strength that he gave to his family. Always paternal, a provider when in need, but not to a fault. His humble wisdom and self-discipline were pillars that he lived by; love, trust, strength, wisdom, safety, truth, clarity, perseverance, selflessness, and forgiveness were all words that he embodied.

For us, he made these concepts real/tangible. These many attributes, as well as others too long to describe, were pieces of the foundation that he and his bride of 55 years gave their children daily. These were the truest of gifts, tools for navigating life.

Dad proudly served his country in post-war Europe, as US Army, where he made life-long friends. He was well respected for his long career selling metal and coaching others in the steel industry. He loved his Phillies and bled Eagle green through both the good and the bad. He was devoted to his wife with a passion that exceeds words. He enjoyed traveling with her during their retirement years. His greatest vice was that he would never refuse a milkshake, or any other sweet, for that matter. Above all, he was always most proud of the family that he and his wife had built together. His final wish, that he shared at every opportunity, was that we always continue to love and take care of each other.

With his passing, there is a feeling that everything has changed. We will miss his radiance, his smile, his humor, and his kind, soothing voice. But we will endure these thoughts for only a moment. As everything in life is more beautiful and sweeter because he was here.

Gerald is predeceased by his brothers Thomas and Joseph Barr, his parents James and Alfreda Barr, and his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret "Margie" Barr. Gerald is survived by his children: Margaret A. Ciavardone (Richard), Patricia M. Eckert (Eric), Gerald S. Barr (Shirley), John M. Barr (Joan), Julia M. Love (Christopher), and Stephen J. Barr (Jennifer). He is survived also by his grandchildren: Joseph, Richard, Stephanie, Julia, Jed, Wyatt, Dawson, Steven, Tyler, Ryan, Douglas, Emily, Sophia; and his great-granddaughters, Sophie and Lyra, as well as his sisters-in-law Joannie and Lorretta Barr. Gerald will be fondly remembered also by his many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Relatives and friends are invited to Gerald's Life Celebration on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church located at 12670 Dunks Ferry Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Interment to immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, PA. The family has extended an invitation to join them for a luncheon immediately following services at the cemetery at La Cena Ristorante located at 2233 Galloway Rd, Bensalem, PA 19020.

Donations are preferred in lieu of flowers to Dad's favorite Charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Wounded Warrior Project.