Barry A. Messere

Barry A. Messere, age 76, husband of Cheryl (Barnett) Messere, of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019 in the Seasons Hospice, Phoenixville. Born on January 6, 1943 in Phoenixville, PA, he was a son of the late Austin "Oysters" and Dorothy (Himes) Messere. Barry was a graduate of Phoenixville High School, class of 1962, where he was a member of the football team. He owned and operated Messere Plumbing and Heating for many years, which was started by his father in 1943. Mr. Messere served in the United States Navy. He served aboard a tug boat in the Philadelphia Navy Yard, as well as a member of the National Honor Guard in Washington, D.C. Barry was mostly known for his work with the homeless. He was a co-founder of People to People, a mission of the First Presbyterian Church to help those in need and to help feed the hungry. Affectionately known as "Tex", he was well known on the streets of Philadelphia through the People to People feeding program for which he volunteered for 32 years. He was also active with the lunch program at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Phoenixville as a chef. Barry helped found "The House", a transitional shelter for homeless women sponsored by Phoenixville Women's Outreach. Also, he was active early on with Habitat for Humanity in Phoenixville. He helped organize KYAL and served as past president of both the Phoenixville Lion's Club and the Kimberton Fire Company Auxiliary, where he was an active donut maker. He was a loyal, dedicated and tireless champion for the volunteer organizations of which he was involved. Because of his strong community involvement, and his plumbing and heating business, Barry knew everyone. He loved to talk with friends and acquaintances, and you could guarantee he'd usually be at the ready to tease you about something. He was an Eagles ticket holder for over 35 years, and enjoyed deep sea fishing and eating crabs. In addition to his wife, Mr. Messere is survived by two children, Toby A., husband of Beth Messere of Phoenixville, PA and Stephanie A., wife of Ken Scott of Florence, NJ; four grandchildren, Gabrielle Messere, Paige Messere, Toby Messere, and Addison Scott; one sister, Judith Lukis; one sister-in-law, Dolores Barnett; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville, 145 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Eva Johnson and Rev. Douglas N. Hagler. Burial will be held privately. Friends will be received from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday at Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc, 610 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA or on Wednesday morning from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to "Phoenixville Women's Outreach", P.O. Box 244, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Barry A. Messere

January 6, 1943 - March 1, 2019