Jon Barry Petricoin

By any measure, Jon Barry Petricoin (1940 - 2024) was an extraordinary man. Born in Reading to parents Emanuel & Margaret (Julian) Petricoin, and the grandson of an Italian immigrant, Barry quickly distinguished himself for his leadership and willingness to serve those around him.

After the family moved from Reading's Riverside neighborhood to Kenhorst in 1947, Barry was credited for saving a child's life as a member of the Farview School Safety Patrol. The story appeared in the Reading Eagle on May 15, 1953. The event foreshadowed a life marked by unfailing bravery and charisma, and it would not be the last time Barry was pictured in the Eagle's pages.

He was an outstanding high school athlete. He made headlines as a halfback on Governor Mifflin's famed football teams of the 1950s, and was named co-captain during his senior year. Playing baseball for the Shillington Legion teams of the same era, Barry attracted major league draft offers, but declined in order to pursue a career in music. Trained by renowned Reading saxophonist, Sam Correnti, Barry was a teen prodigy with the instrument. He charted several national singles as a leader and as part of the Kingsmen, produced by the legendary Bill Haley after Haley's song Rock Around The Clock made him an icon. Barry appeared on American Bandstand and toured internationally, taking a detour to serve in the U.S. Army. He returned to Reading and became one the region's foremost musical entertainers during the 1960s and 70s. His group, The Jet Set, was the featured band at Santarelli's In Town Motor Lodge, packing the house on Centre Avenue during the early to mid 1970s. The band was known for the accomplished musicianship of its members, with Barry and Bill Bower on saxes, Don Walker on Hammond B3 organ, Herb Geri on guitar, and Frank Cambria on drums. He reunited with the Jet Set for what would be his last time on stage, a Christmas concert at the Riveredge in 1990.

His second act began in 1992 with the opening of Barbarry's, "the craft show in a store" that became a retail institution near Adamstown. Barry, along with wife Barbara A. (Bond), whom he married in 1963, was an endearing fixture at the store for 32 years, known for his continuous warmth and generosity. Although he was successful throughout his life, he took the most pride in being a family man of deep integrity. He was a jack-of-all-trades, insisting on craftsmanship in all his work, always improving the lives of those in his care. But it was his wisdom and guidance that was treasured the most. He was never known to lie or indulge in complaints. His strength of character overcame challenges with such dignity that he made the trials of life look easy. As a son or brother, husband or father, he was peerless to those who felt the grace of his love and support; and all who knew him personally are forever blessed.

He was predeceased by a brother, Emanuel F., and survived by wife, Barbara A., son, Jon Michael, daughter-in-law, Beth A. (Miller), and a brother, Dr. Dennis Petricoin. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Kuhn Funeral Home of West Reading in honored to assist the Petricoin Family