Ralph V. Barndt

Ralph V. Barndt, 86, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026. Born on July 19, 1939, in Telford, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mable Barndt; his seven siblings; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Ellory Chestnut.

Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Janet (Jan) Barndt, who was his closest friend throughout his life. His was also very proud of and survived by his children, Troy Kathlee Fitzgerald and her husband Sean Israel of Pennsburg; Eric Barndt and his wife Mandy Whorton of Lakewood, Colorado; and Natalie Barndt of Philadelphia.

He was a devoted grandfather to Katelin Fitzgerald and her husband Matthew Chestnut; Nicholas "Cole" Fitzgerald and his wife Brooke Marchozzi; Jeremy Whorton; Abigail Whorton; Adrian Barndt, and his three great-grandchildren, Grayson Fitzgerald, Brinley Fitzgerald, and Kai Chestnut.

Ralph earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University, a bachelor's degree in political science and finance from Ursinus College, and a Master of Business Administration from Temple University. After marrying in 1961, he and Jan settled in Harleysville, where they were active members of the community. Ralph worked for 32 years as a Production Control Manager at the Budd Company, a company that made car parts. As someone who loved cars, Ralph thought this was the best job he ever had and a perfect fit.

Ralph got his first car at 16 years old, a 1949 yellow Dodge convertible with a black top. He owned a treasured 1932 Ford 3- Window Coupe, which he frequently raced, sometimes legally. He owned many cars throughout his life, including a 1968 Mustang convertible (which remains in the family, currently cruising around CO), several Camaros, a Grand National, and a Corvette.

Ralph was a lifelong member of Little Zion Lutheran Church in Telford, the oldest Lutheran church in Pennsylvania. He served on the church council and finance committee and was an enthusiastic member of the "Deadheads," a group of individuals who cared for the cemetery and church grounds.

In the 1970s, Ralph and Jan purchased a home on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where they developed many friendships. For decades, the summer home became a central gathering place for family and friends to spend time and create lasting memories.

Ralph valued family, education, and travel, and he was a steward of those values for his family. He encouraged higher education and a love of travel in his children and grandchildren and took great joy in planning family trips. Particularly after they retired, Jan and Ralph traveled extensively with their friends and sponsored many unforgettable trips for their children and grandchildren to see the world with them.

He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. As a typical Philly fan, he sure they were always on the brink of disaster but was excited to finally see the Phillies win a World Series and the Eagles win two Superbowls.

Ralph will be remembered for his deep love of Jan, his devotion to his family, his faith, and the many lives he touched throughout his life.

Relatives and friends may call between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Little Zion Lutheran Church, 267 Morwood Road, Telford, PA, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation in Ralph's memory to Little Zion Lutheran Church Permanent Endowment Fund.

Arrangements are by Huff & Lakjer Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, PA.