Barry Lee Burkert, 76, of Fleetwood, PA, entered eternal rest on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at his residence. Born in West Reading, PA, on January 3, 1950, he was a son of the late Benneville S. Burkert and Arlene M. (Mest) Burkert.
In addition to his parents, Barry was greeted in heaven by his sister, Benita L. Boyer.
Barry’s memory will live on through his wife of 39 years, Lori S. (Focht) Burkert; his daughters, Wendy M. Neuheimer, of Raleigh, NC and Amy D. Schut (Alex), of Villa Park, IL; his brother, Eric R. Burkert (Tracy), of Kutztown; and his grandchildren, Elliot M. Bellis, Eden A. Neuheimer, Ava M. Neuheimer, and Tristan W. Neuheimer. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.
Barry was a graduate of Fleetwood High School and a member of Maidencreek Church in Blandon. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Conflict as a weapons mechanic. He was honorably discharged on July 24, 1972.
For most of his working life, Barry was a quality control inspector at several battery manufacturing plants, last working for Yuasa/Exide.
Barry had a love for the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting at his cabin in Bradford County. If he wasn’t at home, there was a good chance he was at the cabin. He was also passionate about collecting Indian artifacts and took great pride in his collection, which was one of the largest in Pennsylvania. Every piece was found by Barry himself, with the majority discovered right here in Berks County.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Auman’s Inc., 391 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. A prayer service will promptly commence in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Domenik Ackermann officiating.
Graveside committal with full military honors will immediately follow at Berks County Memorial Gardens, 201 Evansville Rd., Fleetwood, PA 19522.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maidencreek Church, 261 Main St., Blandon, PA 19510.
