Barry K. Shay

Barry K. Shay, 76, of Shillington, passed away on October 13, 2024, at The Lutheran Home at Topton, from complications of Parkinson's Disease, a service related illness acquired from his time bravely serving our country in the Vietnam War. Born in Reading, he was the son of Raymond and Mae (Knoll) Shay. Barry was the proud and loving husband of Kathleen M. (Didyoung) Shay, with whom he shared over 20 years.

Barry was a 1966 graduate of Reading High School as well as a graduate of the American Academy of Broadcasting. He honorably dedicated himself to his nation by joining the United States Marine Corps. During his time in Vietnam, he participated in med-evac missions and provided support at the Children's Hospital.

Barry spent his professional career as an annealer at Carpenter Technology for 37 years, retiring in 2011, where he made many lifelong friends.

Barry was formerly an active member of St. John Baptist de la Salle, Shillington. In addition to his commitment to volunteering with Meals on Wheels and St. John's Food Pantry, he contributed his time as an assistant for the La Salle Academy After-School Program.

A passionate sports fan, Barry served as an IABBO affiliated BCBOA basketball official for nearly three decades and as their secretary and treasurer and banquet chairperson for a number of years. He was a lifelong, self-proclaimed Notre Dame historian and a member of the Notre Dame Club of Reading--always quick to offer a hearty "Go Irish!". An avid reader, Barry also had a deep appreciation for music, particularly Motown. In his earlier years, Barry was also a founding member of the Moon Lite Van Club.

Above all else, he cherished his role as a caring husband, father-friend to his step-children, and adoring grandfather to both his grandchildren and granddogs.

In addition to his spouse, Barry is survived by his children: Patrick Algier (Carlos), Nicholas Algier (Kelly), Joanne Morano (Jason), and Pamela Papaleo (Marco). Also surviving are his grandchildren: Gracie, Jake, Brady, Harper, Quinn, Gemma, Amelia, Lucas, Justin, and Adrian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 2pm at the Church of St. Benedict, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton, PA 19540. Friends and family will be received from 1pm-2pm. Interment will be private.

Barry's family would like to give a special thank you to the caring staff at the Lutheran Home at Topton, who became like family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at Grand Central Station PO Box 4777 New York, NY 10163 or online at https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/489725.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be written at www.KuhnFuneralHomes.com.