Obituaries

Barry Eugene Mellinger, 74

July 03, 2023

Barry Eugene Mellinger, 74, of Willow Valley Communities, entered fully into the presence of Jesus Christ on Monday, July 3, 2023. He was a devoted and loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather.

He was the dedicated husband of Jeraline (Zeller) Mellinger and was lovingly by her side, celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary on March 6, 2023. Friends often referred to them as Bar and Jer. Barry was born December 1, 1948, in Lancaster, PA, son of John and Irma (Books) Mellinger and stepmother Rhoda (Lehman) Mellinger.

He graduated from Manheim Central High School, and after attending DeVry University in Chicago, he moved to California where he met his wife, Jeraline of Spokane, WA. They served in camp ministries throughout California including Emerald Cove Camp (Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp) which grew his love for the great outdoors and his passion for forest rangership.

Barry and Jeraline moved back to Pennsylvania where they helped to establish and were first generation of Moriah Valley, a faith filled community where he and Jeraline lived and raised their family. In 1980, Barry founded and operated Mellinger Foods that specialized in Freda deli products from Philadelphia. His business grew into Hometown Provisions in Willow Street where he loyally served his customers in Lancaster County and beyond for over 35 years.

Barry enjoyed watching all sports, especially his children and grandchildren’s teams. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Phillies and could talk sports with the best of them.
Barry was involved in Living Word Academy, Worship Center, and Timberline Church and supported numerous charities.

Barry had a love for knowledge and has given his grandchildren gifts to focus on education.

Barry is survived by his wife, Jeraline; his three children, Josh Mellinger (husband of Christel Triplett) of Murfreesboro, TN, Abby (wife of Jason Gryszkowiec) of Lititz, PA, and Kristy (wife of Gene Clark) of Lancaster, PA; his grandchildren, Ian, Addison and Ella Mellinger, Kate and Peter Gryszkowiec, Mason, Liam, Timothy and Andrew Clark; his sister Diane (wife of the late Gerald Edwards) of Mount Joy, PA, and his brother Curt Mellinger of Mountville, PA. He is also survived by his “family” of Moriah Valley. Barry was preceded in death by his father John, mother Irma, and stepmother Rhoda.

Friends and Family will be received on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 2:30 to 4:00pm at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584 with a Memorial Service to follow at 4:15pm with Pastor Tim Keller officiating. For those unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed to his obituary at SnyderFuneralHome.com. A private, family interment will take place at Cross Roads Church Cemetery, Mt. Joy.

Memorial contributions in Barry’s name may be made to Star Rock Ministries PO Box 996 San Clemente, CA 92674 www.starrockministries.org

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬

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Condolences to the Family

July 15, 2023

Our sincere condolences to the Mellinger family.  I have many fond memories growing up as friends with Josh and spending time at the Mellinger household.  Barry was always a caring and generous man and his presence will be greatly missed by many.  What an awesome life he had.
James Fry

July 10, 2023

I met Barry a few months ago through this best friend, John Day. During my visits to PA, I would go with John to see Barry, and I could sense how much Barry was loved. My sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Jackie Wilks

July 10, 2023

Barry was my boss for 8 years at Hometown Provisions. Barry was always kind and considerate of others. I enjoy talking with Barry many times about our Faith and our love for our families. I always looked up to Barry, and always considered him as a friend. I certainly have been blessed by our Lord and savior to have worked for Barry. I know in my heart that Barry is with our Lord and Savior and Is in a better place.                   Murray Roseman

July 09, 2023

To the Melinger kids,  I was so so sadden to hear of your loss. Such great memories as my daughters enjoyed you all ,  we hung out with your Dad and Mom. Skiing trips will never be forgotten ‼️
Lena Arbogast

July 09, 2023

So sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. Good memories with both Barry and Jeri! May God comfort and bring you peace as you go through this time of grief and loss!
Martha Kauffman

July 08, 2023

Praying for God’s ‘peace that passes understanding’ and comfort as you say goodbye to a dear father, grandfather and friend, for now.  
Dale Vitto

July 06, 2023

Our thoughts are with the Mellinger family. Sorry for your loss! RIP Barry
Dan and Tammy Rote

July 05, 2023

many prayers to your family. I remember how great of a guy Mr. Mellinger was. I grew up with Kristy and so many memories made at their house in HS. So sorry for your loss. Sarah Vecchio

July 05, 2023

Barry was a great man and I always remember feeling welcome in the Mellinger house.  I remember that as I got towards the end of high school he would ask what my future plans were.  He always had a smile for me. Barry created a legacy that is apparent in the lives of his kids and grandkids.   Joanne Genn

July 05, 2023

I am saddened to hear of Barry’s passing. I was in Barry’s class at DeVry.  I didn’t have much contact after graduating but have good memories of our time in Chicago and the trip to California for interviews. My sincere condolences, Bill Koller.

July 05, 2023

Barry’s lived faith was testimony to the love of Jesus our savior and lord. I am blessed to have his son as part of my family. We shall meet again on that coming day at the foot of His Throne.
Kenney Triplett 

July 05, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Barry’s passing. I roomed with him and graduated with him in Chicago while we attended DeVry. We shared apartments and shared living space for the entire 2-1/4 years we attended DeVry. The apartment was only a couple of blocks from the school and only had one bedroom. Barry took the bedroom, which had a double bed, as he was much taller then me and I slept in the living room in a single bed. I find comfort in knowing that Barry is with our Lord in heaven. May our Lord bless and comfort you in this time of great loss. Sincerely, Michael Ober

July 05, 2023

What a kind and gentle man. Praying for God’s comfort and peace to be with the family 🙏 Dan Henry

Visitation
Monday, July 10, 2023
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA
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Services
Monday, July 10, 2023
4:15 PM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA
Map and Directions

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