George Dean Barry

George Dean Barry, 85, Altoona, passed away Sunday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Samuel and Leona (Filer) Barry, along with a brother and two sisters.

He was married to his loving wife, Margaret A. Ciaverella, for 56 years. She preceded him in death on Jan. 1, 2022.

He is survived by a daughter, Teresa (Wayne) Kramer, of Hanover; a son, James (Karen) Barry, of Altoona. George is fondly in the hearts of his six grandchildren: Wayne Kramer III, Dena Barry, Winzor Kramer, James Barry Jr., Wyatt Kramer and Wade Kramer; as well as his two great-grandchildren, Emma Barry and the late Alana Barry.

George served four years in the U.S. Marines and 22 years in the United States Army for a total of 26 years. He did two combat infantry tours in Vietnam, where he received two bronze stars, with one lettered “V” for Valor. George also received the American Soldier’s award, which he was most proud of.

His favorite sound was that of a Huey Helicopter, which meant you were getting resupplied or extracted out of the warzone.

In 1966 George married Margaret A. Ciaverella in Altoona. A devoted husband, they spent 26 years traveling and living at different military bases. He retired from the Army in 1982 and moved back home to Altoona, where he started a new career at the Altoona Post Office. George was there for 16 years, and then retired again.

He loved working and helping the community he lived in. He spent time as the Commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 34, helping any and all veterans that he could. He was also on the Board of Governors at the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home for a short time.

George was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, first as a Scoutmaster on several military bases. Upon returning to the area, he became a committee member of Troop 49 sponsored by Our Lady of Lourdes. His involvement led to becoming Troop Commissioner for Troop 49, Troop 15, Pack 349 and Pack 315. He served five years as the Roundtable Commissioner for Chief Logan District, and conducted numerous adult training sessions. George’s generosity to scouting was unwavering. He helped many scouts attend summer camp with his financial support, as well as Camp Anderson and Friends of Scouting. He taught scouts to respect each other, our flag, our community, our nation, and our world. George led and assisted many scouts, including his four grandsons, to attain the rank of Eagle. His proudest moment was assisting his grandson, Jimmy, complete his Eagle Project at Tuckahoe Park.

George exemplified the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout Slogan, Scout Motto and yes, he was always “Prepared!!”

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, at Santella Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of George to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 34; or to Boy Scouts Troop 49 or 15.

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