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 August 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 United States Navy Veteran serving as an Aviation Electronic Technician, Petty Officer 3rd 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 Arial flight while serving as an aircrew member in Air Anti – Submarine Squadron Thirty-nine onboard the USS Essex. He was a member of the American Legion Post 642 in Chicora, and the Sons of Italy in Brady’s 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 Brady’s 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 September 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, OH, 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 and sisters in law and a nephew.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd. Chicora on Sunday from 1-3pm and 6-8pm. A funeral mass will be concelebrated at 11am on Monday at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church 864 Chicora Rd. Chicora, with the Rev. Matt McClain, pastor of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish and 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.