Obituaries

Michael R. Barlas, 73

September 14, 2017

Mike, 73, of Lititz, passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2017. He had an 8-year battle with head and neck cancer. Born in Homestead, PA, he was the son of the late Michael T. Barlas and Margaret E. (Ferko) Barlas.
He is survived by his wife, Joan A. (Aul) Barlas, of Lititz, to whom he was married for 46 loving years; two daughters, Margaret E. Barlas, MS, of St. Petersburg, FL, Frances M. Barlas, Ph.D., of Manassas, VA; a son, Michael E. Barlas, MBA, his wife, Emily (Savard) Barlas, MA, and their son, Michael Blake Barlas, of Wilmington, NC; a sister, Margaret A. (Barlas) married to James Kocis, of Pittsburgh; along with many nieces and nephews.
He attended parochial schools and received an Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Robert Morris Junior College in Pittsburgh. Upon discharge from the US Navy, he started a 42-year insurance career and retired from Lititz Mutual Insurance Company as Director of Marketing.
He enjoyed Senior Men’s Golf, fishing, wood working, travel, bicycling, and general relaxation. He was an avid sports fan of the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Pitt Football and Basketball.
Mike became a Third Degree Knight of Columbus in 1978 and was a member of Council 10827 at St. James Church. He was also a social member of VFW Post 1463 in Lititz.
During the periods he was considered a cancer survivor, Mike was a “Road-to-Recovery” driver for the Cancer Society. He drove patients, including the Amish, who had no means of transportation to their treatment centers. If you are reading this and are retired or have some free time, a couple of hours each week, please consider volunteering to drive. You can inquire at the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Dr., Lancaster, PA 17603.
Family and friends will be received from 6-8PM, Wednesday, September 20, 2017, and 6-8PM, Thursday, September 21, 2017, at the Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home, 127 S. Broad St., Lititz, PA 17543. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM, Friday, September 22, 2017, at St. James Catholic Church, 505 Woodcrest Ave., Lititz, PA 17543, with the Rev. James O’Blaney as Celebrant. A viewing will be held at the church from 10-11AM, prior to the Mass. Interment with military honors will take place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery privately and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mike’s name may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or to the Improvement Fund of St. James Catholic Church at the address above.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

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Condolences to the Family

September 24, 2017

Margie,
I am sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family at this very difficult time.
Cheryl Youtz

September 22, 2017

Barlas Family
A fine and honorable gent has passed leaving us fond memories  to soften the sadness of his parting. 
MIchael was the first person I met when we moved here. I admired his courage and congeniality and I  will miss him. I know that everyone he smiled upon will miss him.
Sally & Alan Roberts

September 21, 2017

Dear Barlas Family,
Gibby and I were sorry to hear Mikes passing. Our thoughts and prayers are 
with you and all the Barlas family. 
Gibby & Ann Goodworth 

September 21, 2017

Barlas family,
My heart goes out to you all. Your dad was a special man and true fighter. The love and respect that your family has for each other proves to what a wonderful man he was and will always be. I love the stories or your family gatherings and your fun family traditions. May he live on in the smiles on your faces and the kindness in all your hearts. 
My deepest condolences
Kelly Grgeory and family

September 19, 2017

I knew that Mike has been such a courageous and determined warrior in his battle with cancer the past 8 years and that he gave it everything he had while carrying on his life to the fullest.  Mike has passed from this life but he did not lose his battle with cancer for he still will live on in the memories of his family and his friends and professional colleagues.  I had the privedge of working with and for Mike at Lititz Mutual Insurance Company in the Marketing Department.  I will remember Mike as a man of high integrity,excellent listening skills, compassionate in his demeanor and forthright.  I appreciated the fact you always knew where Mike stood on any issue,he did not waiver in his opinion because of any political expediency and that is a person you can always rely on and look to for leadership.  I enjoyed our many conversations about golf courses and in particular the Augusta National Golf Club.  I wish my sincerest condolences to his wife and the entire family.    ” The power of death has been broken and death’s fear has been removed.  Without the resurrection of Christ there could be no hope for the future. The bible promises that someday we are going to stand face to face with the resurrected Christ,and we are going to have bodies like unto his own body”  Dr. Billy Graham.   for here we have no continuing city,but we seek one to come  Hebrews 13:14          Mike Seniuk  Charlotte,NC.

September 18, 2017

Mike, I will never forget your smile, your courage, and your wonderful personality.  The world has lost a great man.  We will miss you terribly.
Debi Mull – Lititz Mutual

September 17, 2017

Margie and family –
I am so, so sorry for your loss.  There are so many words about what a good man your dad was, but honestly the truest testament is how amazing you, your sister and brother are, the 46 years he spent with your wonderful mom, and the obvious love your family has always held and shown for each other.  Those Barlas family gathering stories that I never tire of hearing are priceless memories.  I will be thinking of you all.
Linette Decarie

Visitation
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home
127 S. Broad St.
Lititz, PA
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Visitation
Thursday, September 21, 2017
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home
127 S. Broad St.
Lititz, PA
Map and Directions

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Visitation
Friday, September 22, 2017
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church
505 Woodcrest Ave.
Lititz, PA
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Services
Friday, September 22, 2017
11:00 AM
St. James Catholic Church
505 Woodcrest Ave.
Lititz, PA
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