Barry T. Conner, 57, of Curwensville, PA, formerly of Hillsdale, PA died suddenly on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 as he battled cancer.
The son of Charles “Chuck” T. Conner and Lena P. (Bence) Conner, he was born on February 2, 1962 in Punxsutawney, PA.
Barry was a 1980 graduate of Purchase Line High School.
He worked for many years in the gas industry and took pride in trouble-shooting problem wells to increase production. His early employment years involved masonry work with Hillsdale Construction and automotive body repair at the former Goss Automotive in Hillsdale, PA.
Barry was an avid hunter, fisherman and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed attending gun raffles.
He had a quick smile, a hearty laugh and was quick to help friends and strangers alike.
Possessing a lifelong fondness for animals, Barry lovingly cared for his pet dogs and cats over the years.
Barry was a member of the Loyal Order of the MOOSE, Lodge #268; the Rescue Hose and Ladder Company and the American Legion Post # 842, all of Curwensville, PA. He was one of the three surviving members of the Bell Run Camp in Grampian, PA.
Barry is survived by two sisters: Meredith Zurenko of Commodore, PA and Karen Conner of Blairsville, PA; his stepmother, Kate Conner of New Port Ritchey, FL; nephews: Michael Zurenko of Hillsdale, PA and Matthew Zurenko of Millerstown, PA; niece: Miranda Zurenko of Latrobe, PA; three great nephews and six great nieces.
Barry was preceded in death by his father in 2008; his mother in 2012; his brother-in-law, Mike Zurenko; his paternal grandparents: Virgil T. and Louise Conner, with whom he spent much of his childhood and his maternal grandparents: Clarence and Pearl Bence.
Family and friends will be received from 5-8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA, where an 11:00 a.m. funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Rev. Steve Kunselman will officiate. Interment will follow at the Montgomery Cemetery near Hillsdale, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be forwarded to a local Humane Society of the donor’s choice.
