Obituaries

Barry Robert “Poppy” McFarland, Sr., 71, of South Scranton, passed away Thursday evening at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit surrounded by his loving family.  His wife and best friend of 25 years is the former Beth Ann Lavelle.  The couple was married on July 3, 1998.

Born August 9, 1952 in Bowmanstown, son of the late Norwood and Mae Greene McFarland, also raised by his Pappy Bill and Memmy Em, Barry was a mason with McFarland Co. and later with Concrete Step Units, Inc.  Prior to his retirement, Barry worked maintenance for Skyview Park Apartments.  A talented guitarist and singer, and he knew it, Barry enjoyed entertaining people on the big stage and sitting around jamming with the family.

A very giving and generous man, with a great wit and a profound personality, Barry was one of everybody’s favorite people.  Barry changed a lot of lives with his kindness.  He would take in foster children at the drop of a hat and help anyone in need.  Fishing, hunting, singing, cooking, and his beer were some of his enjoyments, but his passion was his family.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of his life.  Barry will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his great grandchildren, Elizabella and Alaia for giving him happiness in his final years, his caretakers and grandchildren Gloria and Joey for the wonderful and loving care, and the nurses and staff of Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the compassion and kindness.  You were all “angels in human form”, and your selflessness will be remembered always.

Surviving are: his children, Barry McFarland, Jr., Scranton; Clint Matthias and wife Beth, Iowa; John Matthias,  and wife, Lynn, Gouldsboro; Robert Rhodes, Scranton; Naomi Strasburger, and husband, Michael, Scranton; Julie Varilek, and husband, George, Quakertown; Edna Angerson, and husband, Joseph, Carbondale; and Faith Wood, Scranton; siblings, Harley McFarland, Bruce McFarland, and Darlene Boger, and husband, Al; Numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews; and his extended Lavelle family who lovingly called him “HillBilly”.

A daughter, Bekki Rhodes, brother, Harlan “Babe” McFarland, and sister-in-law, Lauri Lavelle preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Barry’s Life will be held on Wednesday at 6 PM in the New Life Baptist Church, 840 Harrison Avenue, Scranton with Rev. Curits Kenyon officiating.  Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday from 4 PM until the time of the service in the church.

Barry, from the bottom of my broken heart, thank you for loving me.  Love Beth.

Arrangements are under the care of Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 N. Main Ave., Scranton.  To leave an online condolence, please visit the funeral home website.