Obituary of Richard G. Barr, MD

Richard G. Barr, MD, one of Delaware County's most distinguished and revered pediatricians for almost half a century, died December 24, 2013, at Riddle Village in Middletown Township, PA. Respected by his fellow physicians, adored by the thousands of youngsters he had treated and tremendously appreciated by the parents, whose fears he always alleviated and whose children he treated, the death of Dr. Barr leaves a void in the medical community that might never be adequately filled. At the time of his death, Dr. Barr was enjoying retirement at his home in Glen Riddle, PA with his wife of 60 years, the former Dolores Cassidy of West Philadelphia, PA. At the time of their marriage, on May 8, 1954, Dr. Barr had just begun his medical internship at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital. Before his retirement, Dr. Barr had offices in Chester, Media and Glen Mills, PA and had served as chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Crozer-Chester Medical Center for 31 years. Dr. Barr was born in Chester, PA, the third of four sons born to the late George and Ella Robinson Barr. Raised near 13th and Edgmont, in the city's Second Ward, he attended St. James High School and was a member of one of the first classes to spend all four years at the then new school. An outstanding basketball player, he received a scholarship to St. Joseph's University. His education was interrupted by two years in the U. S. Army, but the G.I. Bill enabled him to continue. He was accepted by Jefferson Medical College, which led to his internship at Fitzgerald Mercy. While at "Fitz", he decided to become a pediatrician, and that meant two more years of residency at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Barr was a parishioner of the Church of St. Francis de Sales, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He also served as a Past President of the Serra Club. Dr. Barr was a devoted family man who loved Avalon, NJ and golfing. He was a member of Springhaven Golf Club. Dr. Barr was the father of the late Michael Barr. SURVIVORS Loving Wife of 60 years: Dolores (Cassidy) Barr Daughters: Dolores Melshiemer (James), Mary Martin (Michael) and Kathleen Bering (Christopher) Sons: Richard, Brian and Kevin Barr (Kim) Ten Grandchildren Two Great-Grandchildren Memorial Contributions may be donated in memory of Dr. Richard Barr to St. James Alumni, 1499 E. 9th Street, Eddystone, PA 19022; or The Church of St. Francis de Sales, 35 New Road, Aston, PA 19014.