I met Barry at work back around 1994, he was always upbeat and very willing to help. He was the "Go To Guy" for anything related to Decision Support/Businesss Intelligence and the mainframe - he saved the day many many times at work  over the years and will be truly missed - my prayers go out to the family. 

To the Second Best Fly Fisherman I know...

B, I apologize for taking so long to write you my brother.  The pain of your passing is as strong today as it was a week ago.  I simply need to recognize what your friendship has meant to me over the past 35 years.

When I first met you, you had a passion for fashion, drove an orange BMW, and wore pants resembling those of M.C. Hammer.  Despite those obvious flaws, we quickly bonded over our love for the outdoors and fly fishing.  

I will alway cherish the late night trips to fish Valley Creek.  The "Mental Health" days we occasionally needed to balance our lives...and yes, they were "exactly what the Dr. ordered."  The three decades stalking trout on the Upper Delaware.  It seems like it was just yesterday when we were fishing Buffalo Ford in Yellowstone or getting munched by black flies while fishing Maine's ponds.  It was our last trip to the Delaware in September 2019 that will always hold special meaning though. 

More than anything, I want to recognize your perseverance and determination throughout your battle.  Not once did you complain...not a single time!  Throughout it all, you always managed to SMILE, even the last time we saw each other.   You fought a courageous battle!

I never forget our friendship bro.  Until we meet again, keep your line tight! 

I will share one of my fondest memories of Barry.  We were up to camp in the remote wilds of North Western Maine.  Brook trout country.  Barry and his friend Skip (my close friend as well) came up to fish.  They arrived in the middle of the night.  It was absolutely pouring out.  Rather than wake the camp Barry and Skip proceeded to erect their tent in the dark.  The camp yard is many things....flat isn't one of them.  When we woke in the morning we were surprised to see a tent in the camp yard.  The tent was in the middle of a rather large puddle.  I brought out coffee, unzipped the tent to find Barry curled up in a ball in his sleeping bag with his friend Skip asleep sitting up.  The bottom of the tent was awash in water.  Upon waking, Barry cheerfully asked "what's going on".?......I will miss that infectious smile and I will see you again on God's golden shores.....bring some flies!  I heard the trout are huge.

Ann Marie is my cousin, and I  got to meet Barry at my brother's wedding 26 years ago. One time at camp in Maine I had heard that Barry loved hunting and fishing. Most family members that fish either fish off the dock or in the boat, but not Barry. That day I saw him getting ready to fish. He put on this outfit and sat in a raft where his legs go through. Off he went down the lake. That's when I realized he was a serious fisherman. I didn't get to see Barry a lot over the years. But I knew what a great husband, father and person he is. He will forever be missed.

Barry was like another younger brother, hanging out at Mom's house and helping entertain my young children.   Great memories of fun and shenanigans!  So sorry for your loss to you,  his family. ❤

Saddened to read of Barry's passing. He was an outstanding athlete and even more an outstanding man of character.  We only recently reconnected after his Dad resided at the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community. He was the same Barry, positive, care free and committed. We sincerely offer our sincere sympathy to the entire family. May Barry rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him today and always.

My best friend.....
College and geography separated us but my heart is with him in heaven....
He was a gift - getting  me through difficult times & HS - joking - laughing..... music.. Hunting...
White Marsh Mall.. Whistle Stop Junction... HS Soccer.   
Barry was a family member and so much more.  Oh the times we had in Q- Ville.
His smile -  sly and smirky.  He was the real deal!  Ken and Arlene....❤️
What happened to our garage door.... :)
Rubber band on the kitchen sink sprayer..:)
A great man....
As tears roll down my face... Best Friend  ❤️



Barry lived two houses away from me when I moved to Georgetown some 50 years ago. I remember one day seeing Barry in his back yard and he immediately came down and invited me to come up to his house to play “trucks” in the dirt space between his garage and his aunt and uncles garage. 
When we were in high school, he would come down to my house just about every morning to catch a ride to school. He would always be early just to have time to chat with my mom before we left. My mom would often have little trinkets fall into her cereal bowl from Barry dropping them into her cereal box when she would not be looking. She loved that!
High school graduation was emotional, probably because we, like so many of us, realize our roads will all take different directions. We still saw one another on occasion and Barry was happy to be in my wedding. His brother Ron kept me updated on what was going on with his family, kids, hunting, fishing and work. However, when we had a chance to talk it was like those long stretches of not staying in touch just disappeared and we picked up right where we left off. 
We last saw one another a couple times last spring and had a chance to share, catch up and just pick up right where we left off. It was difficult but nice just to have the chance to spend time together. When it was time to go, we hugged and said a couple more things that God and the two of us know. I, like so many people will miss you!
Nevertheless, by my Faith, I will see you again Barry!
My prayers to the entire family.


I was fortunate enough to have met Barry our freshman year of college at SHIP, and then continued the ‘fun’ together to SMS at our first job.  I have so many amazing and funny memories with Barry, that I really wouldn’t know where to start… mountains, fires by “Boy Scout Barry”, cross pen, Denny’s, pigs, and the road-trips to mention a few.  I will always remember Barry’s smile and his laugh, the way he lit up a room.  
Ann Marie, Cassidy, Mason and Zach, my prayers are with you.   Know how much Barry is loved and that he will forever be in all of our hearts.  Personally, I am heartbroken and will miss him terribly, but I will remember his smile every time I think of him.  

I am so sorry to hear this, I remember Barry from  school.  He was an awesome guy. Sending Prayers for his family.

Barry was not only best man in my wedding but also like a brother to me. We shared many days on our favorite trout streams and in the mountains of north-central PA hunting grouse. Barry showed a deep respect for the woods and water, and sharing a day outdoors with his buddies meant much more to him than number of fish caught or game taken.   Barry, Todd, Greg and I had many great adventures together  - I will always feel that  “B” is with us when i wade a trout stream or walk the woods in search of that next flush.  Ann Marie, Cassidy, Mason and Zach I can’t tell you how much Barry meant to me.

I feel extremely fortunate to have known Barry for around 35 years and though memories of experiences shared are in abundance, as I suspect they are for many who knew Barry, what always struck me most about Barry were some of the aspects of his character that made him such a good friend and build those many memories.   
Barry was truly genuine in all situations, he was inclusive and made others feel valued and a part of his “team”, he was supportive and would always be there for you, and in all cases he went about things with a joyfulness about things that made you smile whether it was corny movie references, funny anecdotes, or good natured pranks.   
Barry’s passing will be felt by so many, I know that I will personally miss him in so many ways that it is hard for me to fathom right now and my heart goes out to Ann Marie, Cass, Mason, and Zach because their time with him was so sadly cut short.    
Rest in Peace Barry, you will be missed.

I've known Barry pretty much since I started at SMS way back in the late 80's.  He always had a smile on his face and a quick hello, how's your day?  The last few years I ended up moving just down the hall from him at work so we reconnected.  We both love dogs and shared our passion for them in many conversations.  He shared his memories of his German Shepherd when he passed recently.  I know his GSD and his other dogs over his lifetime met him at Rainbow Bridge and will be playing with him in heaven.  

God Bless you Barry and thanks for your friendship.  My deepest condolences to your family and friends in this difficult time.  May the memories of you bring smiles to their faces in the days, months and years to come.  You'll be missed my friend.

Mr. Fichtner was like a second dad to me. He never failed to make sure that Cassidy and her friends were cared for. My favorite memory of him was on Valentine’s Day when he bought us girls dinner from Five Guys so we had something to celebrate. He would always check in to see how school was going. And while my mom was going through a sickness at the same time he was, he still would always make sure I was doing alright and so was my family. Mr. Fichtner was such a selfless man and would do absolutely anything for his family. He will he missed so much.

Wow, Barry was one of the Georgetown gang, we played together almost daily, we certainly had some great times together, I will never forget our true friendship.  The Lord has gained a good man.  Rest in peace my childhood friend. May the Lord bless your family.

I got to know Barry talking with him at the Great Valley Wawa.  When we would run into each other he would share stories of his time at the cabin, how much he enjoyed the outdoors and how he valuated time spent with this friends and family.  Barry will be missed.  I pray there will be a cabin waiting for him to enjoy in heaven.

Barry was one of a kind.  He was funny, smart, and so sweet.  He had a quick wit and an infectious smile.  He was honest and kind to everyone...and will be sadly missed by all.  Rest in peace, Barry.  Until we meet again, my friend....

I was fortunate to meet Barry when he joined SMS as a programmer in COMMAND HIF.  What I remember the most about Barry was his wry sense of humor and his ability to make us laugh, even under the most stressful circumstances .   Barry was one of those rare individuals who brought joy into work every day.   I remember some good-natured pranks that were successfully planned and carried out with Barry’s  willing participation.   He will be fondly remembered....and deeply missed.
To Ann Marie, children, and family, I extend my most sincere condolences to you.  I share my own joyful memories of this wonderful man with your own.  I pray for peace for each of you in the difficult days ahead.  

I'll always remember his spirited smile. And know he will be missed by his very loving family and friends. Heaven is celebrating another angel has come home.

Barry was one of the many neighborhood boys growing up in Georgetown.  We had many fun times together, especially playing baseball in the vacant lot between our homes. Our thoughts and prayers to all. The Hart Families. 

Barry (B) is the most wonderful person anyone would ever meet. Always full of energy and drive ! Influences people around him positively , professionally and personally.  He listens , advices ,encourages , motivates, makes you smile and always remind you that “ all will be well”.  There are no words that can describe how great a man B is!! I will miss him A  LOT for all his words , his encouragements, his mentorship , his humors and above all his kind heart. 
God rest your soul B!! You will be missed. 

I was blessed to call Barry my dear friend and he was in every respect other than blood relation my brother. Our friendship spanned 38 years after meeting just days into our freshman year at Shippensburg University.  Every greeting from him to start a conversation with me was always the same "Smooty what is going on?!" If he or someone asked that question of me today it would be hard to answer--can't explain why he  had to leave us before any of us were ready but at this time there is no point in contemplating the why. It is the time to recognize what a great husband, father, brother and friend he was during his time with us. When you met him you immediately wanted to be counted as his friend. He took such pleasure in the success of others, his desire to make you laugh and that sly and sheepish grin reminding you that he was a step ahead of you to create the next laugh. I spent 30 years hunting with him in the woods and mountains around Shintown. For one week every year it was our chance to wander around and talk about all the things that mattered, the family he adored, the friends that were so much a part of his life and of course where we would hunt next. He loved to be in the woods and sharing that love with the guys at hunting camp. The time we spent with our boys there are among my happiest memories. I am forever grateful that my son had the opportunity to spend time with Barry--he is such the better person for it as am I. Barry once joked to me that while he missed camp and the woods when he left he knew Ann Marie would have enough Christmas trees up when he got home that he'd still feel like he was in the forest. These memories are the things that I will hold close at what is such a difficult time for all of us who knew Barry. He gave a piece of himself to everyone he met and what he gave was always genuine and heartfelt. I will love him as a brother loves a brother for as long as I walk this earth. I will miss him always.

I didn't know Barry anywhere near as well as his work team mates, college friends/fishing buddies and youth friends.  I do know that he was a quick witted, funny guy.  When he'd visit close friends in offices near me, occasionally we'd use quotes from popular comedy movies (some with questionable publication value) to have fun at each others expense.  It was certainly a bright spot in my day.  I turn my thoughts to his immediate and extended family and closest friends for which I extend my deepest sympathy and hope they can find comfort in having had him in their lives.  May he rest in peace.

Barry and I grew up 1/2 a mile apart, and I have known him almost all my life. We rode the same school bus together, played together, went to the same elementary school together, and as adults hunted out of the same hunting camp together. He was a good father and a good husband, a good hunter, and a good man.  And for that, I am glad he also was my friend. 

Bear tracks in the snow, made by an unseen maker, were the last things of note we saw together in the woods this past hunting season. And talk of those tracks played a large part in the last conversation we had with each other. 

So yes, knowing now that was our last conversation, and our last earthly hunt together, I indeed miss my friend dearly.  Yet, in hunting seasons yet to come, as I wander over the mountains we both love so much, I will be carrying with me an unshakable faith I will again see bear tracks, ones again made by an unseen maker. And when I do, I will stop, and take a moment to ponder their creation, and pause to take a long, slow, look at the forest around me, as I remember days gone past... 

and I will smile. 

For I will know, before I must walk on, forced to leave those particular tracks forever behind me, it is really Barry's way, unseen yet unmistakably, of letting me know he's still near, and that we will meet again..... soon enough.

I am sure, in one form or another, there are similar 'tracks'  shared with every person who knew Barry. When you cross a set of them, and he comes to mind, pause and take a long, slow, look around. And know it his way of telling  you he is still near you, as you remember him in days gone by. 

And then thank him with a smile.



I worked with Barry for 15 years. He bailed me out of so many situations at work and never said 'NO'.  Even though he was a Montreal Canadians fan :)  I still really liked this man. He will be sorely missed......

OBITUARY

Barry Kent Fichtner

July 23, 1964 – February 24, 2020

Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home Inc.

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