Barry Irey, 84

Barry Irey, 84, of Boyertown, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at The Reading Hospital. he was the husband of Karen L. (Myers) Irey. Born in Royersford, he was the son of the late Olin and Mae (Overdorf) Irey.

After graduating from Lock Haven University, Barry taught Health and Physical Education at Boyertown Junior High West for 33 years. He was also a beloved Boyertown football and baseball coach for a number of years. Barry enjoyed his retirement for 27 years after his teaching career. He was a big fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Dallas Cowboys. Barry was an avid golfer, enjoyed all sports, but what he loved most was spending time with his family.

Surviving along with his wife Karen of 39 years, are his children Jennifer Hedl, wife of Bill; Michelle Lambert; Eric Irey, husband of Donna; Sean Irey, husband of Jennifer; Jeff Stapleton, husband of Debbie; and Dean Stapleton, husband of Terry; sister Diane Lambert, wife of Don; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his brother Dennis Irey and grandson Shane Hedl.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (1749 South Main Street, Bechtelsville, PA 19505) with Pastor Eugene Zaiser officiating. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. A visitation will also be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, from 9:00-11:00 AM at the church. Visitors may wear their favorite sports team’s apparel as a tribute to Barry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org/) in Barry’s name.

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I have many fond memories of being on the same teaching staff with Barry and of the many basketball outings and the outings afterward. He was a good friend and a great PE teacher.

~ John Huggens
3/22/2024 5:19:38 PM

I got to know Barry through baseball while I was a High School and Legion Umpire. We would chat between innings whether I was behind the plate or on the bases. Great Man, Coach, Teacher and Friend!

~ Tim Engleman
3/3/2024 7:51:47 PM

Mr/Coach Irey was a great man that I played for, for a few years during my time at West. I will always remember how he left the building on the way to the field - always started with, “it’s a beautiful day for baseball”!
My sincerest condolences to the Irey family.

~ Bob Snyder
3/1/2024 6:07:34 PM