Sherman Barto

Sherman L. Barto, 87, passed away on March 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family in his Muhlenberg Twp. home. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Sherman L. Barto, Sr. and Ethel M. (Buchanan) Barto. He was the loving spouse of Gloria J. (Wood) Barto, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.
Sherman graduated from Reading High School in 1956. He later obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Albright College in 1998 after many years of night school. Sherman launched his professional journey in the 1960s as a loan manager at Beneficial Finance Company. He dedicated 17 and a half years to Boscov's as the General Credit Manager. He concluded his career as the President and CEO of Berks Community Federal Credit Union, a position he held for 12 years before retiring in 2000.
As an active community member, Sherman previously served in the following capacities. He was the council president at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, president of the Sertoma Club of Reading and the Schuylkill Valley Chapter of PA Credit Union League. He was the vice chairman of the National Retail Merchants Association Credit Management Division, board member of Vision Resource Center of Berks County, Muhlenberg Township Athletic Association baseball coach and coach of the Holy Spirit co-ed softball league. He was a proud member of the Reading Berks Basketball Association.
Sherman was a sports enthusiast; he especially enjoyed rooting for and following his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. A great conversationalist, he enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. His love of travel included visiting many countries, Elderhostel programs, 54 cruises, but his favorite was the beautiful country of Switzerland which was visited 13 times.
His faith and family were of utmost importance to Sherm. He was a member of Renewed Spirit Lutheran Church, Reading, and was involved in the Greater Reading Area Lutherans. He cherished his time with his family especially at their family beach home in Millsboro, DE.
In addition to his wife, Gloria, he is survived by his children, Sherri Mathews, wife of David of Oley and Christopher Barto, husband of Melissa, of Shillington, grandchildren: Steven Mathews, husband of Erin; Nicholas Mathews, fiancé of Jennifer Marcello; Jessica (Mathews) Plageman, wife of Jason; Joshua Barto, Gabrielle Barto, and Madeline Barto, five great grandchildren: Cole, Miles, and Elsie Mathews and Addison and Riley Plageman; siblings, Gary Barto, widower of Jean and Stella Craig, wife of Roger, and sister-in-law, Renee Barto. He was predeceased by his siblings: David P. (Marlene), and Richard Barto.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 24, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading with Rev. Robert Argot officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Evans Cemetery. The visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vision Resource Center of Berks Co., 2020 Hampden Blvd. Reading, PA 19604 https://vrcberks.org/donate/. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.