Charles E. (Pat) Barry, 91 longtime Hillcrest resident in Meadville, Pa., passed away December 26th, 2016.

He was born in Saegertown June 10th, 1925, a son of Edward W. and Bertha Schwab Barry. He married Madeline T. Holeva October 16th, 1948 and she survives. He was a Class of 1943 (January 1944 graduate) of Meadville High School. He then entered the U.S. Army on March 15, 1944, serving in Europe with the 7th Armored Division as an infantry rifleman from September, 1944 through the end of the war. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf cluster for wounds received in Holland (October, ‘44) and Germany (April, ‘45). Other awards were the European Campaign Ribbon with two bronze stars, German Occupation, American Defense, Good Conduct and Victory Medal.

Charles worked thirty-six years as a yard brakeman, conductor and Yardmaster on the Erie/Erie Lackawanna/Conrail Railroads in Meadville, as well as stints in Illinois and Ohio. He was a member of St. Agatha’s Church where he belonged to the Catholic Men’s Club and participated in many of their services for the church.

Charles was a Worshipful Master of Meadville Masonic Lodge #234, former member and Monarch of Kismet Grotto, former member of Erie Zem Zem Shrine and Color Guard. He belonged to the Erie Lackawanna Veteran’s Assoc. where he was treasurer for many years. Additional veteran’s organizations included VFW Post 2006, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Purple Heart Association, and the 7th Armored Division Association (where he was Secretary and Editor of the quarterly Workshop News).

Survivors in addition to his wife of 64 years include a brother Robert Barry, a daughter Brenda Allen of Meadville, sons Michael of Meadville and Patrick of Erie, PA. Seven grandchildren: Rachael Barry of Jacksonville, FL, Daniel Barry (US Navy), Leanne Barry of Meadville, Amanda Lawrence of Erie, Trisha Gladd of Erie, Meghan Harris of Dallas, TX, and Zachary Allen of Meadville. In addition, ten great-grandchildren ranging in age from 15 years to 9 months.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers Donald and Michael Barry, William Bohrer, sisters Helen Rich and Mary Dronko and grandson Ryan Allen.

Friends and family may call the Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville, on Friday, December 30, 2016, from 10:00 A.M. until final farewell begins at 12:30 P.M.. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 P.M. at St. Agatha Catholic Church, with Parochial Vicar Rev. Thomas Trocchio officiating.

Burial will take place at St. Agatha Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the National Association of American Veterans (www.naavets.org).

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Pat's Book of Memories online www.WarrenFH.com.

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