Barry Lee Kercher

On December 28, 2024, the world sustained a terrible loss.  Our family lost a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather, and a wonderful husband when Barry Lee Kercher left this world with his wife by his side and his children and grandchildren witnessing his transformation into one of God’s Angels. He was a resident of St. Luke’s Hospice House located in Bethlehem, PA at the time of his passing.

Barry was the loving husband of Jean Marie (Wenrich) Kercher.  They were married on April 16, 2005, and celebrated 19 ½ years of marriage.  They had a bond that most married couples never shared.  Barry was lucky enough to receive a kidney from his wife Jean on February 16, 2010.  This extended his life and the quality of life for many years.

Barry enjoyed the time he spent with his family and friends.  Nothing meant more to him than his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents, stepparents, friends and his wife.  The smiles he displayed when being with the ones he loved will be remembered most by all those that loved his infectious laugh.  He was a hard worker and a caring, loving, dedicated man to all those he came into contact within his daily life.  Barry was described as the worst patient and the best patient because he pushed his disabilities aside and proceeded in life naturally.

Barry was born in Reading, PA.  He later relocated to the Fleetwood, Oley, and Pottsville area.  He was the son of Clarence Kercher and Joanne (Miler) Smith and stepson of Dorothy (Long) Kercher.  Barry worked at various Automotive Dealerships throughout his life such as Manderbach Ford, Tom Masano Ford, Sands Ford, and small garages.  Barry and two of his brothers had KMK Garage.  He later opened his own garage known as Kercher Automotive.  In 2001, Barry worked at Reading Muhlenberg AVTS as a para-professional and in 2002, he became an Automotive Repair Instructor.  Barry continued his teaching career at Dauphin County Technical School and Schuylkill Technology Center – North Campus.  Barry left the teaching arena because of his health conditions in 2016.   As a teacher, to enhance the education of his students, Barry was required to be involved with the following organizations AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems), PAA (Pennsylvania Automotive Association), ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and SkillsUSA. Barry was dedicated to his students and the community.  He spent many hours teaching Pennsylvania Inspection and Emission classes to help adults enter the Automotive Field.  Barry enjoyed receiving phone calls from students, colleagues, and other adults to “pick his brain” on what was necessary to repair a car that they were working on.  You could see how Barry’s eyes would light up from helping someone figure out the solution to a repair on cars.   Barry was also a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven.  Two of Barry’s favorite pastimes were square dancing and camping.  He loved when campgrounds would host square dance weekends so he could enjoy both.  He also loved swimming, tubing, and boating.  A vacation at Raystown Resort was always looked forward to as long as his health allowed it.

Surviving in addition to his wife Jean are his children:

Ahron L. Kercher (his wife – Jessica Kercher, and granddaughters Abigail, Evelyn, and Jocelyn) of Lynchburg, VA

Alyssa S. Albright (her husband – Jacob Albright, and granddaughter Emery) of Minersville

Marissa J. Sheeler (her husband – William Sheeler, Jr. and grandchildren Wyatt, Olyvia, and Landyn) of St. Clair

Barry is also survived by his stepfather Howard Miller, Fleetwood and siblings Richard Kercher, Fleetwood, Howard Miller, Jr., Fleetwood, Tammy Miller, Kutztown, and Scott Miller Kutztown and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sibling Darlene Miller, Fleetwood and granddaughter Rowyn Albright, Minersville.

A viewing will be held at Ebling Stabingas Funeral Home, 26 Chestnut St., Cressona on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.  A viewing will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:00 am with the funeral service following at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Dauphin County Technical School, 6001 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA  17109 Attn: Maria Zaharick to establish a scholarship fund for an automotive repair student in Barry’s memory.