Barger

Nelson B. Barger Jr., 83, of East Brady, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home while in the company of his loving wife and family early Thursday morning, June 25, 2026.

Nelson was born in Karns City on Aug. 6, 1942. He was the son of the late Nelson B. Sr. and Sophia Rottman Barger.

He was a 1960 graduate of Fairview Township-Karns City High School. Nelson was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving as an aviation electronic technician, petty officer third class during the Cuban missile crisis. He received a special letter of commendation from U.S. Navy Rear Admiral E.E. Christensen for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as an aircrew member in Air Anti-Submarine Squadron 39 onboard the USS Essex.

He was a member of American Legion Post 642 in Chicora, and the Sons of Italy in Bradys Bend, where he and Edna enjoyed evening meals and fellowship. He was a member of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in the village of North Oakland and recently, St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Bradys Bend, where they attended Young at Heart.

He retired as a maintenance supervisor in 2002 from Oxy Chemical, formerly Indspec, in Petrolia, following nearly 40 years of service. Nelson was an avid hunter and golfer and was a longtime active member of the former St. Jude Golf Club in Chicora. He and Edna enjoyed boating on the Allegheny River and traveling. The couple most especially looked forward to cruises with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Edna P. Waltman Barger, whom he married at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in the village of North Oakland on Sept. 4, 1965; a son, Richard Barger and his wife, Heather, of Chippewa; and a daughter, Dr. Richael Ann Barger-Anderson and her husband, Philip Anderson, of East Brady.

Nelson was affectionately “Po” to his four grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Drew Barger, of East Brady, Dr. Taylor Barger, of Austintown, Ohio, and Luke and Levi Anderson, both of East Brady; a sister, Dr. Karen Ferkich; a sister-in-law, Thelma Foust, of Sarver; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anna McNamara; as well as a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a nephew.

BARGER — Friends of Nelson B. Barger Jr., who died Thursday, June 25, 2026, will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at HILE FUNERAL HOME OF CHICORA, 339 Chicora Fenelton Road, Chicora.

A funeral mass will be concelebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 864 Chicora Road, Chicora, with the Rev. Matt McClain, pastor of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, and the Rev. Alan W. Grote Sr., priest active at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, officiating.

Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in the village of North Oakland.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Barger’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers, www.t2t.org.

To send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.