Allentown, Pennsylvania: A dedicated teacher and coach, Barry Slemmer, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Peter Becker Community with his wife, Norma Fetterman, by his side.
He was 84-year-old, at the time of his tragic demise, and his family members found strength amid their grief.
Highlights
- Barry Slemmer lost his life at the age of 84 at Peter Becker Community on Valentine’s Day with his wife, Norma, by his side in 2025.
- His parents, Woodrow University and Pauline (Kriebel) Slemmer, and his first wife, Mary Rose Muhr, preceded him in death.
- He married Norma and adopted her three children, Kelly Gonzalez, Kim Althouse, and Perry Specht.
Barry Slemmer was a dedicated math teacher for 35 years at the Upper Perkiomen School District, where he impacted countless students with his passion for education.
He was deeply involved in his community and was a valued member of the East Greenville Fire Company, Upper Perk Senior Center, and the Owls and Hereford Gun Club.
He demonstrated his dedication to teaching at the Pennsylvania and National Education Associations. His innovative coaching style and emphasis on fundamentals were pivotal to the team’s success.
A passionate East Stroudsburg University alumnus demonstrated his athletic capacity as an assistant football coach from 1962 to 1981 and a head baseball coach from 1967 to 1974.
His dedication to young baseball was impressive. He helped create the Junior Legion Program and contributed to the revival and coaching of the Legion Baseball program.
Moreover, Marquis Who’s Who listed him as a noteworthy Educator and insurance agent.
Barry Slemmer’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
Barry Slemmer, the son of Woodrow University and Pauline (Kriebel) Slemmer, was born on May 18, 1940, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. His parents named him Barry Evan Slemmer.
He married Mary Rose Muhr on June 24, 1967, but she also preceded him in death, just like his parents.
Barry’s impact extended beyond the classroom. The UPTC honored his 1966 Bux-Mont Championship team, making them the inaugural inductee to the Upper Perk Football Hall of Fame.
Former athletes mentioned how his strict yet inspiring methods influenced their personal and athletic development, highlighting his enduring influence on local sports.
Unfortunately, he leaves a legacy of dedication to sports, education, and community service. He was a source of motivation, and his ability to uplift his team made him a standout.
His wife, Norma, and step-children, Kelly Gonzalez, Kim Althouse, and Perry Specht, survive him.
Similarly, he had a great bond with his cousins Ethel Soffa, Becky Davidowski, Robert Graber, Mary Ellen Rhile, Andrew Kriebel, Martin Kriebel, Willard Graber, Kathy Misner, Ellen Cutler, and Stanford Graber.
His family grieves the tragic loss in private, and they have yet to disclose his actual death cause. They are struggling to come to terms with a devastating loss.
Barry’s sad demise left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family members and school community.
His visitation will be at Palm Schwenkfelder Church on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 to 11 AM, and his Burial will be private.
Nontheless, his family requested memorial contributions to Schwenkfelder Library and Heritage Center instead of flowers.
His demise news brought waves of grief to his community. Rest In Peace, Barry Slemmer.
Additional Information
- Barry Slemmer completed his bachelor of science from East Stroudsburg University in 1962 and his master of education from Temple University in 1966.
- He worked as an insurance agent at the American Institute of Management Insurance Agency in Allentown in 1974.
- In 2020, a disciplinary issue involving a 16-year-old sophomore female accused him of throttling her.
- In 2021, he was released into a unique probation program that postponed the final disposition of his case for one year.
