Dennis Barr

Dennis “Denny” Jon Barr, 72, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully in his home Saturday evening, August 24, 2013 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born at home above the former Hicks Furniture Store in Dennison on September 19, 1940, he was the son of the late Charles Andrew and Mary Catherine (Lee) Barr.

On May 12, 1962, Denny was united in holy marriage with his lifelong companion and friend, the former Audrey Zifer. Together, they were blessed with two children, and five grandchildren who filled their lives with much joy and love.

After completing his education, he began his professional career in January of 1966 with the Pepsi Cola Company. He was a loyal and devoted employee until his retirement at the age of 65.

Denny’s faith was nurtured at Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia where he had been a longtime member.

Denny’s love for children was apparent in a variety of ways. He greatly enjoyed coaching Little League and Pony League teams. Denny also kept the magic of Christmas alive in the hearts of many area children.

Most importantly, Denny was a loving father and grandfather who coached, supported, or cheered on his daughter, son, and grandchildren at every one of their extra-curricular activities.

Denny was a proud 1958 graduate of Uhrichsville High School. The friendships he developed as a student were nurtured the past 25 years at his weekly Wednesday morning breakfast group with those individuals.
Other hobbies Denny kept included baseball card collecting, and supporting the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He was also proud to be a published poet and the recipient of numerous dancing awards that he received from competitive dancing.

Denny will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Audrey; his children, Teresa (Rob) White of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Christopher (Tara) Barr of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Brooke, Nicholas, Bethany, and Nathaniel Barr, and Charles White; his brother-in-law, Jerry (Linda) Deardorff of Spencer, West Virginia; nieces, Christy and Katherine Deardorff; his aunt, Mildred Brandon of Canton; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne (Hugh) McClelland, George (Carol) Zifer, Shirley (Richard) Ernest, Ronnie Zifer, Lois (Andy) Wells, Tommy (Anita) Zifer, and Angie (Jeff) LeMasters; and numerous godchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by his infant son, Thomas Jon Barr; his sister, Carole Deardorff; and his brother-in-law, Robert Zifer.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 27 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. with a Christian Wake service beginning at 6:45 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at Dover.

Friends and family are invited to the Geib Funeral Center’s hospitality room, 5600 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, following the committal service where a meal will be shared.

Memorial contributions in Denny’s name may be directed to Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Denny by visiting the funeral home website at www.GeibCares.com.