Ronald G. Barr

Ronald "Chuck" Barr died on April 8 at his home in Hamburg, age 77, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Hamburg to the late Joseph and Florence Barr. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and served in a tank battalion in Korea in 1951-52. He is survived by his wife Janet, and his four sons, Joseph (Mohrsville), Michael (Torrance, CA), Timothy (Schuylkill Haven), and Christopher (Cincinnati, OH), six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and a sister, Juan Mengel (Strausstown). He worked at the Hamburg Plow Works, and later became a painter, most recently at the Hamburg Center, until his retirement. Music was his great joy. He began with country western music, playing with several local bands. He moved on to rock and roll, with the Rockabillies and then the Playboys. Loss of hearing curtailed his music for a time, but ear surgery brought it back. His love of folk music, especially Irish, led to the formation of The Shanachians. This group was well-known in Berks and Schuylkill Counties and beyond. Later, as a solo performer and song writer, he continued to sing and tell stories for a wide variety of audiences. Although weakened by lung cancer, his last gig was with the Jalappa All-Stars in Centerport on February 10. Chuck's musical repertoire contained hundreds of songs, and he loved to bring smiles to people's faces with his endless store of jokes. He has made many friends here and across the sea in Ireland. He faced his final illness, as he did everything, with courage. Services will be private, at the convenience of the family. Burkey and Driscoll Funeral Home,Inc. Hamburg is in charge of arrangements.