January 17, 2023

Dear Marti and family,
It’s been ten years since Paul left this world to teach within the heavens. Rarely does a day pass when my thoughts do not include the best teacher I ever had. Mr. Barber knew how to connect with his students, one to one, better than any teacher I ever knew. He was also my tennis and chess coach and I fondly remember him singing the song “American Pie” over and over again on our way to our chess matches. Paul invited me into your home and to break bread with your family. I had the distinct privilege of teaching his classes for a year while he was on sabbatical. I truly hope, if I am fortunate to make it to heaven, we will again get a chance to sing this song together one more time. Blessings always to this most wonderful family. Paul has never left any of us, he will always live within our hearts. Ned Beck

January 04, 2015

Mr. Barber was one of only 2 teachers at Garden Spot that made a real impact on my life. I have thought about him many times over the years, I graduated in 1974 with the encouragement of this remarkable teacher. He is remembered with great admiration and heartfelt gratitude.Denise Hinkel, class of 1974

Love and prayers for you, Marty and all the grown and little ones, and Paul’s family.  I know you were Paul’s angel on earth.  It’s time for other angels to take over. Know that the cousin heart connection beats especially strong for you during this difficult time.          cousin Kathy Street

Dear Marty and family,  I can’t recall if I ever saw Paul again after our graduation from LCHS but I was aware of his later in life ongoing medical challenge. I was totally unaware of all that he accomplished in his life’s work wich preceded his illness–very awe inspiring. All of you can be so very proud. Reading the preceding notes of condolences and memories fom his former students have made a profound impression on me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.   Sincerely,   Joe Sauter

Dear Marti and wonderful family, What a wonderful man and what an amazing family!  We loved your dad and he was so encouraging to us as a young family. We know that each one of you carry a spark of his zest for life and his kindness to many.  May his heritage go through all the generations.  Also, thank you, Marti, for your wonderful example of a faithful, caring wife and mother.  We have always looked up to you and appreciated your confident strength and faith in Jesus! Blessings and hugs to all of you!  So thankful for Jesus who made a way for us to all be together in Heaven!!!  Lovingly, Mike and Barb(Krall) Tangert

Dear Marty and family,

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.  The obituary for Paul was a beautiful to tribute to him.  He will be missed but know he will always be in your heart and memories.

Fondly,
Tom and Joan McEvoy

Praying for the whole family as we think of you and miss Uncle Paul.  Love the memories we have with him during our summer visits, and treasuring those memories of such a funny, loving and always interesting man!  He was simply amazing!  All our love, Mike and Christy Duis and family. Sheldon, IL. 60966

Dear Marty, 

I was very sorry to read about Paul’s death. You and your family will be in my prayers.
I have fond memories of our highschool days. Paul was quite a character; he was the only one who ever got my name right – Derf Namagaw

Wishing you well!
Fred Wagaman

Mrs. Barber,
Paul, Peter, Mo, & "AA",
So sorry to hear of Mr. Barber’s passing. I knew he had been sick for some time.  He was certainly blessed having you all by his side. 
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Rita (Allison) Rachor

I remember Mr. Barber as a funny, caring and very out-going teacher when I was at Garden Spot HS  (1972- 1975). Such enthusiasm for life and teaching!! He will be sorely missed by many, as I am only one student from his illustrious career!  Malinda (Dellinger) Smith    GSHS Class of 1975

For Martha and family – I will be working and cannot make the funeral service for Paul or drive at night, but I’m remembering him in my thoughts and prayers.  We have lost a gret friend and clssmate. Love, Donna Kaylor

Dear Marty and Family,
Our hearts go out to you and your family upon Paul’s passing and wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Although we had lost contact with you over the years, we still think of you often and know the battle Paul had and how deeply devoted you were to him. We know, too, your great faith will sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. 
With deepest sympathy,
Nancy and John Straw

My deepest sympathy to the family members on your loss of a remarkable man and teacher. Mr. Barber was my teacher at Garden Spot in social studies. I have great memories of classes and his unique sense of humor. He was well liked and respected by many of his students. May God bring comfort and strength to all of you. God Bless

Janet (Fox) Hartranft
Class of 1976

We both had Mr. Barber as a teacher at GSHS. He was one of the greatest teachers that we had and really made an impact on us. We are sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

Wendy (Leaman) Goshert, Class of 1995 and John Goshert, Class of 1998

My deepest sympathy to Paul’s family. I was his 10th student teacher at Garden Spot. Paul was truly an inspiration. I am blessed to have had the chance to know him and learn from him. He will live on in my heart and hearts of students forever. Much love, Cindy (Rogowitz) DelGiorno

Dear Marty & Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. We all know he is in a better place with God, but it was too soon. Our prayers & thoughts are with you.

Love,
Bob & Mary Anne Aichele

Dear Marty and Family
Chip and I were so sorry to hear about Paul’s passing.  We could not come to his funeral but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.  We would love to see you sometime.  Please contact us when you feel up to it.
Love,
Becky and Chip Cargas

Marty, I was very saddened to hear of Paul’s passing.  I was in the choir at Sacred Heart with Paul in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, sometimeas as an alto and other times as the organist as assistant to Jeanne Donley.  Paul was always so full of life and a joy to be around.  May you find comfort in knowing he is now at peace.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Esther (DeMascolo) Gillett, Glendale, AZ

Marty,

I apologize for the belated nature of this note but I have just learned of Paul’s passing and wanted to extend my deepest sympathy. I have tried to stay aware of his condition via Chip(my lifelong friend) and know that his passing is the end of a long journey for both of you. Your lifelong love and support is a model for all caregivers——may he rest in peace!!!!

Sincerely,
Don Schaller

I HAD MR. BARBER FOR A TEACHER AT GARDEN SPOT BACK IN THE 60’S. I ALWAYS ENJOYED HIM VERY MUCH. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY.

GARY FREEMAN ( BLUE BALL )

Dear Marty and family;I am so sorry to hear of Pauls passing.After reading his obituary and the wonderful notes that were posted I’ve gotten a little glimpse into what an amazing man he was.So many interests and involvements,but the most signicant,it seems,is the impact he had on so many lives especially young ones.What a wonderful legacy!My prayers are certainly with all of you this time."Precious in the sight of the Lord,is the death of His saints".
Walter Huss

Sending prayers to the family.  I remember those Latin classes in 1986 and 1987 as very fun filled and always eager to learn the language because Mr. Barber kept the class excited about learning.  Looking at his picture in the paper is exactly how I remember him, always smiling and willing to help his students.  He will be greatly missed by many. 

Kimberly A (Brendle)Boyer

Dear Family, I had Mr. Barber in my 7th, 8th, and 12th grade years at Garden Spot High School.  I was a very disruptive student who attempted to make it as hard for all of my teachers to do their jobs as possible.  Mr. Barber always,  kept his cool in these situations.  I will never forget that.  As poor as my behavior was I always felt like I learned a lot from him.  By my senior year I was not quite as disruptive and found his teaching style even more effective.  The way he conducted philosophy class was very eye-opening to my friends and I.  Suddenly our world view (which was dominated by only looking at ourselves) was opening up.  If Mr. Barber knew today that I went on to become a teacher I think he would be very much surprised.  There are many days when I have challenging students, whom I don’t feel like I am getting through to or are affecting that I think of my experiences with Mr. Barber.  I also try and convey a sense of even temperament each day because I feel (like I imagine Mr. Barber did) that yelling and screaming is not nearly as effective as keeping calm.  I think the two greatest things I learned from Mr. Barber is that as a teacher you have to persevere throughout the entire year and never give up on kids.  They will understand you care when you bring your enthusiasm and caring into the classroom everyday – because he did it.  I also learned to see beyond myself into a much bigger world – he always taught from a larger world view.  I know you family understands how great of a man Paul Barber was, but I want you to know that there are many of us that also know it as well.  Thank you,
Mike Habalar Garden Spot Class of 1992.

Marty and Family,
I’m sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. What an amazing man-full of life. I can still recall him calling into the office on Tuesday evenings when we worked. He always played tricks on me and made me laugh when I answered the phone. May you find comfort in the happy memories you shared together!!
~ Chrissy Martin

I want to express my condolences to your family for Paul’s loss. As the former Assistant Superintendent at Garden Spot, I have very fawn memories of Paul. He always had a smile on his face and an infectious optimistic personality. His picture in the paper captured it well.

He was a great example to all of us of what an educator is all about!
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss.

John M. Gould
New Holland, PA

Marty, Paul, Pete, Mo & Aaron,

My deepest sympathy is offered to you all at this time.  Peace in all things…

Bob Brown.

Dear Mrs. Barber and family,

I had Mr. Barber for Latin in 1970 and 1971 at Garden Spot High School and he was a fantastic teacher.  I still use my Latin language foundation on my job to this very day.  He had a wonderful laugh and I enjoyed every minute in his classes.  He always had time for his students and my life has been made richer by knowing him and experiencing his wonderful love of teaching.  God Bless you and your family at this difficult time. 

It is with sadness that I send my sympathies to the family in the death of Paul.  Although I did not know Paul personally, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with his son at Graystone Bank and I certainly know how special he would of been due to how special his son is.  My thought and prayers are with all of you.

Jack Infield, State College, PA

Dear Marty and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family as you grieve the loss of a great man and human being. He accomplished much in life and now he will live in peace and I am sure will look down with much love and tenderness to those who took care of him here on earth.
He will always be remembered as a true follower of Christ.
Love, Pattye Barley.

My favorite Teacher. He was outstanding in the classroom, you just wanted to learn. There was not another like him, and after 40 years I can say I have thought of him often. A Wonderful, Caring, and Sharing man.  These 3 things could be seen and felt in his eyes, smile, and mannerisms.  We were Blessed to have met him, learn from him, and watch his work. My prayers are with his family.

Debra Bitler Kohl

Marty and kids, Mom just called to say that Paul had passed away. I was so sorry to hear this. The picture of Paul on Snyder’s webpage is beautiful. I felt his presence just seeing that smiling face. He was a joy to be around. He will be missed but you have to believe that he is in a better place and know that he will always be with you. Heaven will be happier with Paul there to entertain and make them laugh. He had a gift.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service but I will be thinking about you on Friday.

Love,
 Kirchner Stevens

Mrs Barber, Paul, Pete, Mo and Aaron:

I have often reminisced about time spent growing up with the Barber family and have many special memories of days spent on Walnut St!! My memories of your Dad are those of music, his wonderful sense of humor and great knowledge for life!! Your Dad/husband was obviously a man of many talents and that is reflected in his children (and grandchildren as well, Im sure!) My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Stacey Reed and family

Your husband, father, grandfather was an inspiration to me as a student at Garden Spot High School. He always had time for his students and made an impression in my life. When others would turn silent to their beliefs he would not. He took time occasionally even to pray with a group of us that would meet at lunch. His life is a legacy that will live on in his students. My prayers are with you and each of your families.
Jen Morales

Dear Marty and Family,
I am sending my sincere sympathy to you as you grieve the loss of your dear husband and father. He was a wonderful man and teacher. I loved him and will always remember him just the way the picture is of him in the obituaries. He was always happy and enjoyed life to the fullest. I learned so much from him and I am forever grateful to have him to look up to as a teacher that influenced me greatly. Then to think that much later on in life that I would meet you, Marty, Mr. Barber’s wife. I was so sad to hear the news that he was ill when I met you but so thankful that I got to tell you what a great man he was. The servanthood I saw in you as a faithful wife and caregiver was awesome. May our Lord and Savior comfort you and keep you as you go through this time of grieving.

Love and Prayers,
Brenda Andes (Class of 1969)

May God hold you close and give you peace in your time of loss. Thank you for sharing your husband and father with so many. Teaching is not a job but a lifestyle and my thanks for allowing Mr. Barber to teach so many, not only about subjects but life itself. I may not have appreciated Latin, but I appreciated Mr. Barber.
Christine (Sauder) Hurst

So sad to hear of Mr B’s passing.  He was a very good teacher and touched many more lives than he knew.  We were Blessed.  
Linette (Styer) Metzger

Mr. Barber taught my high school Psychology class at Garden Spot High School.  As with most other high school classes, I could have very easily forgotten that class with all the others, except for the fact that Mr. Barber taught it and the fact that he offered a very specific challenge at the end of the year.  He offered each student an option to either take the final exam or to teach a pigeon how to bowl.  Like Mr. Barber, I too had a love of animals (especially birds) and I decided since I would probably spend the same amount of time studying, I might as well take him up on his offer and spend the time training a pigeon.

To this day (some 20 years later) I recall every detail of training that pigeon using Pavlov’s methods, I recall the ‘exam day’, I can clearly see Mr. Barbers grin as my trained pigeon bowled several frames in front of the class, I can hear his offer to me, "if he bowls a strike I will take you out for breakfast" …. hahaha … that next frame my pigeon knocked down 8 of 10 …. my loss …. a breakfast with Mr. Barber would have been one more memory I could have added to that day. 

I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Barber made an impact in life and is remembered by his students even 20 years after he taught them.  Thank you for sharing him with the students he taught, we are all blessed and better for knowing him.

To the Barber family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful man who filled all of our lives with great intelligence, stories and much laughter. 

Fondly,
Timi Kirchner

My thoughts and Prayers are with you all through this time of grief. May God hold you all in his arms. Mr. Barber was my teacher in high school for 2 years in a row. I had him for World Culture and for Psychology. He was a great teacher and someone you knew you could talk to. He really got to know and cared about his students. He always made me laugh if he knew I was down.He will be greatly missed. The world needs more teachers like he was.

Frances Jones class of 95

Peter, Kara, Amanda, Isaac, and family,
We are sorry to hear about the passing of your father and grandfather.  We are thinking of you and wish you peace.

Joanne Rafferty and Ann King