Barry Jay Starner

Barry Jay Starner

Barry Jay Starner, age 57, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023.  Barry was born on Thursday, September 30, 1965, in Mechanicsburg to Marian F. (Klingler) Starner and the late Robert “Bob” Burnell Starner.

Barry’s survivors include his wife of 36 years, Denise Louise (Wilkins) Starner; his son, Eric Barry Starner and his partner, Josh Ballard, of Mechanicsburg; his daughter, Jamie Louise Starner of Mechanicsburg; his mother, Marian F. Starner of Mechanicsburg; his brother, Alan Robert Starner and his wife, Deb, of Mechanicsburg; a nephew and two nieces; his three cats: Marnie, Olaf and Shadow; and his lovebird, Charlie.

Barry graduated from Trinity High School as part of the class of 1984, served our country in the United States Air Force and obtained his Associate degree from Harrisburg Area Community College.  He spent many years working within the same industry, but most recently he was the Manager of Customer Development for Tyson Foods.

Barry married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Denise, in 1987 and was very engaged in his family’s various activities.  He taught his children how to fish at a very young age and, unless it was frozen, fished in the Susquehanna River every weekend with his son, Eric.  They fished for Smallmouth bass, Walleye and Musky from sun up until sun down.  Eric and Jamie also got to enjoy watching and participating in motocross with their father.  He and Jamie liked going to the gun range and learned to shoot together.  He also taught Jamie how to ride a motorcycle and enjoyed trying new craft beers with her on a weekly basis.  When he wasn’t at work during the week, Barry spent his time with his wife.  He and Denise watched Wheel of Fortune and went to Weis Market together every single night.  They enjoyed being homebodies and spending time in the kitchen together, Denise cooking and Barry eating.  Barry was a loving husband, father and friend and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

All are welcome to join Barry’s family at his celebration of life open house on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory).  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Barry’s life can be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation – Susquehanna Watershed Restoration, www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/programs-initiatives/pennsylvania/susquehanna-watershed-restoration.

Barry’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Barry’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.