Sponsored Sponsored content Barry D. Yeakel, 79 (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

Barry D. Yeakel (1946 – 2026)

Barry Yeakel did not want to die, but ALS had another plan. Barry, 79, passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2026, at Saucon Valley Manor in Hellertown, Pa. Born Nov. 13, 1946, Barry was the son of the late Luke Yeakel and Elva “Peg” Yeakel (Price) of Coopersburg. He now joins his three brothers, Forry, Ray and Dennis, in heaven. Barry was a graduate of Southern Lehigh High School and went on to earn a degree in philosophy from Moravian University and a law degree from Temple University School of Law. He also served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, attaining the rank of Specialist Five (E-5). In true Barry fashion, he served as a cook–something that would ultimately become a significant part of his life. Although Barry earned his law degree and became a licensed attorney, he chose a different path for much of his working life. He spent many years as a cook at a local nursing home, where his work went well beyond the kitchen. Barry quietly put his legal education to use by providing pro bono assistance to residents who needed his help. It was a fitting reflection of Barry–a man who followed his own path and was never particularly concerned with what others thought that path should look like. Barry loved classical music and enjoyed playing the piano. During his years at Saucon Valley Manor, he often played for his fellow residents and became a familiar and well-liked member of the community. Barry also loved cats. Really loved cats. Any remembrance of Barry that failed to mention them–probably more than once–would be incomplete. Those fortunate enough to know Barry well will also remember his biting, sarcastic sense of humor. It could catch you off guard until you really understood him, and once you did, it was extremely funny and unmistakably Barry. Barry was predeceased by his longtime companion, Sandy Yoder, who remained very special to him throughout his life. Having witnessed the passing of many people during his years working in nursing care, Barry thought deeply about death and what might come afterward. He once said that he believed a person’s final breath could be the most glorious and amazing moment of life, and he hoped to remain conscious enough to experience that moment for himself. Whether Barry found the moment he imagined is something only he now knows.

SERVICES

Family and friends are invited to call from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 at the original church building at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 6782 N. Main St., Coopersburg. The visitation period will be followed by the service at 11 a.m. The interment with military honors will be held at Calvary Bible Fellowship Church Cemetery, Coopersburg. To share an expression of sympathy with this family, please visit Heintzelmancares.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Barry’s memory are encouraged to make a donation to The Sanctuary at Haafsville, an organization whose work would be especially meaningful to someone who loved animals–and particularly cats–as much as Barry did.