William M. Barrow, III, 81, formerly of Phoenixville, PA, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospital Upper Bucks Campus.
Born in Philadelphia, Bill was the son of the late William M. Barrow, Jr., and Marion S. (Slinn) Barrow.
Bill graduated from Phoenixville High School and went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966 during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Bill was an active volunteer fireman for many years. He joined Friendship Fire Company in Phoenixville in the early 1960’s. He was a paid driver and bartender as well as a member. He was always affectionately known as “Pipeman” around the firehouse. Throughout the years he was a firefighter and assistant Fire Chief for Liberty Fire Company in New Berlinville, PA, and also a firefighter and member of Liberty Fire Company of Spring City, PA.
Bill enjoyed sharing meals at several favorite local eateries such as Ron’s Original Bar and Grill in Exton, PA; Waskos in Phoenixville, PA; and Bridgeside Deli and Grill in Phoenixville, PA. One of Bill’s favorite activities was always his trips to BoothBay Harbor, Maine with his son, Brian
Bill is survived by his five children: William M. Barrow, IV; Joe Ace Varady, husband of Donna; Patricia Ann Schaeffer, wife of Bruce; Donna Lynn Bartman, wife of Daniel; and Brian John Barrow, husband of Carlie; as well as eight grandchildren: Kyle, Kristy, Damian, Demia, Dehleana, Christopher, Steven, and Emma; and nine great grandchildren.
Bill was predeceased by one sister, Eleanor Wentz.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 10AM to 11AM at Morrell Funeral Home 124 W. Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown, PA 19512. A funeral service will follow at 11AM.
Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.
The family welcomes flowers for the service or donation in Bill’s memory to The Make A Wish Foundation.
I mourn the loss of my father. Your kindness, humor, and sometimes dry humor touched my heart deeply and the hearts of those who knew you. From your heartfelt and sometimes, direct advice to the recent quiet moments we shared, you shaped me into the person I am today—a strong, independent woman with an incredible drive to do good in the world. I will miss listening to stories of your Navy days and, of course, the CB days, when you gave me my CB handle, ‘Sweet Trouble.’ Dad, you will be missed beyond words, but your spirit and lessons will live on in my heart forever. Rest easy, Dad—I love you!
I will miss my father greatly. I spoke with him at least three to four times a week. We had similar interest for hours of coversation. We are both United States Naval verterans and enjoyed exchanging sea stories. In recent years I offered to have him go with me to the Reading World War II weekend event and take a steam train ride to Jim Thorpe at my exspene. He always declined my offers due to health reasons. I wanted create some wonderful shared memories. Thank you all for attending his service and those who sent flowers and or sympothy wishes. Dad is in a better place now.