Roy R. Barli

Roy Robert Barli passed away peacefully at home with family on July 17, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 93 years old. He was born on December 14, 1931 in Coal Center, PA. He is survived by the love of his life Linda Lee Core Barli whom he married on December 7, 1952, married for 72 years. He was predeceased by his parents John and Helene Piot Barli and his seven siblings and their spouses Richard (Emily) Barli; Aime (Marge) Barli; Lawrence (Liz) Barli; Nestor (Garnet) Barli; Rene (Barb) Barli; Bertha (Roland) Pichard; and John (Norma) Barli. He is also survived by more than 100 nieces and nephews in three generations who adored “Uncle Roy.” In addition he is survived by Brett Katinsky and his sister Brooke Katinsky who he loved and nurtured as if they were his own children.

Roy was a two sport athlete at California Community High School. After graduation in 1950 he got a contract to play for the Philadelphia Phillies farm team. He was a left handed batter and pitcher and played first base or pitcher. He was later offered a contract by Cleveland but he wanted to be at home and decided to forego any further effort to play pro ball. He played local league baseball for the Charleroi Merchants in the Mon Valley league until 1960. Roy served with distinction in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Roy and Linda lived in Charleroi for many years before settling in Dunlevy more than 50 years ago. He worked in the steel mills before starting a job for the Charleroi Redevelopment Agency where he worked for 18 years before retiring in 2013. He was a proud union member and a member of the Charleroi Elks Lodge #494, having been named Elk of the Year for 1974-75.

Roy had many friends and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He lived for his family and was always the true patriarch of the Barli family encouraging large reunions every two years so that family of four generations could stay in touch and understand what it meant to be a Barli. He will be missed by everyone.

Visitation will be held at the Melenyzer Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. 825 Fallowfield Avenue, Charleroi, PA on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will be the following day Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Howe Cemetery, Coal Center.