Barry Nelson Hornberger, age 76, of Lansdale, PA, passed away Friday morning, July 18, 2025, at Elm Terrace Gardens.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Elizabeth “Betsy” (nee Black) Hornberger.
Born in Philadelphia on April 18, 1949, he was the son of the late Harold Nelson and Catherine (nee Jacoby) Hornberger.
Barry grew up in Ambler and attended Wissahickon High School where he excelled in academics and was a member of the National Honors Society. He also honed his musical talents by playing saxophone in the Band and Stage Band and singing in the Choir and the Choraleers. While attending college he became a member of the Villanova University Singers. He had a live long love of music and enjoyed all different genres. Barry played saxophone in a jazz band and later sang Bass in the Montgomery County Choral Society.
After graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering he went on to work for PECO for 50 years.
He was an avid model train enthusiast and spent many wonderful hours building train lay outs and working on his hobby.
Some of his many other activities included biking, photography, and camping. Many of the family vacations are documented on slides.
As a younger man he became highly involved in the Boy Scouts of America and stayed on as a lifelong Scout leader, even after his own children went on to college.
His greatest love was his family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Beth Anne Hornberger and his son David Nelson Hornberger and his wife Erin, as well as grandchildren, Cassidy and Garrett.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Simcox-McIlvaine Funeral Home, 532 E. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will greet friends from 9:30 AM to 10:50 AM, prior to the Service.
Inurnment will follow in the St. Stanislaus Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers donations in Barry’s name can be made to the Boy Scouts of America online at https://www.scouting.org/
Betsy, Beth and David, we were so sorry to learn of Barry’s passing. Rest in Peace my friend!
I knew Barry for over 40 years and worked directly with him for over 25 years. Barry’s name became a household word around PECO. You didn’t even need to include his last name for people, both inside and outside PECO, to know who you were referring to. His knowledge of the entire PECO system was remarkable and he was always willing to drop everything to address whatever issues that were brought to him. Words like professionalism, gentleman, brilliance, teacher and dedicated family man describe this wonderful human being. I treasured our friendship and I will deeply miss our catchup phone calls.
Chuck and Susan Boeggeman
Hello to Barry’s family and loved ones. My condolences for your loss. You don’t know me, but I met Barry at PECO, maybe 15 years ago. I was a system engineer, and he was “THE” customer engineer for PECO. Barry’s mind as an engineer was brilliant and inspiring. As a young engineer, it helped open the door for me to see the technical aspects of our distribution system and to start to think a lot deeper about our system. We attended major customer meetings together at many of PECO’s large customers sites to discuss disturbances to their services, upgrades to their system, or general knowledge of how their system worked. Barry was such a professional and carried himself with such knowledge and grace. It helped build confidence for me in these meetings as I was able to run these meetings on my own. These work events are a small window of what I am sure helped shape a beloved man missed by his family. I wish you all well and will be holding your family in the light today. Best wishes, James
Barry was a true gentleman. He always had time to answer the simplest or most complex questions.
It was truly a pleasure to work with Barry. He was a gentle and patient soul, always willing to lend his time and experience to help guide newer engineers at PECO. His kindness and mentorship will be remembered. Rest in peace, Barry
I had the pleasure of working with Barry at PECo for my entire career, and throughout many unfortunate reorganizations. He was always a positive influence and a super supportive friend. RIP Barry 🙏
Condolences to family. Having worked with Barry I knew much about many things but never enough about anything. When it came to customer equipment He was my go to. Much respect. He is missed by me and many coworkers
The first time I met Barry was at a stamping up party at their house. The next time was David’s wedding & I was wearing an engagement ring. 💍 He officially became my brother-in-law on June 23, 2007.
Rest In Peace
I met Barry when I was six years old. When I was eight Barry became my Brother -in-Law. He taught me how to ride a bike. He provided my sister with an amazing life and two very wonderful children. Barry was, by far, the most sensible and level headed person I have ever met. He lived his life in a quiet, simple service to his family. My life has most surely been enriched by having Barry Hornberger as part of it for fifty-five years.
Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
There’s not an option to “like” or “heart” what you just said. But if there were, I would “heart” it. I love that
Betsy, Beth and David, we send our deepest condolences on Barry’s passing. We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Marguerite and Bernie Mitchell