Barry K. Friebolin

Barry K. Friebolin, 83, of Emerald, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at LVH Cedar Crest. He was the beloved husband of Wanda J. (Cressman) Friebolin with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. Born in Germansville on November 18, 1942, he was the son of the late Kermit and LaRue (Hensinger) Friebolin.

Barry, or “Flip” to his old friends, grew up in Germansville and graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School in 1960. After graduation, Barry worked at local manufacturing companies, most notably working for 13 years at General Electric in Allentown. During this time, he also served 6 years in the PA National Guard.

While still working full-time, Barry went back to college and graduated from Kutztown University with a degree in special education, later earning a master’s degree from Lehigh University. Barry found his true calling teaching students with physical and intellectual disabilities. Barry worked for CLIU 21 for 35 years, retiring in 2008. He truly loved his job and formed special bonds with his students, their families, and all of the colleagues he met along the way.

Throughout his life, Barry had a love of sports, especially baseball and basketball. A standout athlete in high school, he continued playing both sports in local amateur leagues well into adulthood. When he wasn’t playing, Barry coached youth baseball and basketball over the course of 30 years to boys in the Northern Lehigh and Northwestern areas. He was a long-time little league coach in Emerald and served as the president of the Emerald Playground Association for many years, during which time a new baseball field, basketball court, and refreshment stand were built. After his coaching days were over, Barry continued his love of baseball through umpiring.

A fluid speaker of PA Dutch, Barry was a charter member and Geldhaewer for Grundsau Lodge #18 for 35 years. He also served as the zoning officer in Washington Township for 17 years. He was an active member and volunteer at the Emerald Fire Co. for many years.

In later years, Barry loved watching the Phillies, Eagles, PSU, and attending his grandsons’ sporting events. He had an affinity for old westerns and could be heard belly laughing at Curb Your Enthusiasm reruns. Barry had an encyclopedic knowledge of old sports trivia and local history and found joy in reminiscing with old friends.

He was a member of St. Peter’s UMC in Emerald, as well as the Emerald Fire Co.

Above all, Barry loved his family and had a lasting faith in God. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Barry is survived by his wife, Wanda, sons Josh (Angela) and Seth, grandsons Rhett, Hugh, and Sloan Friebolin, as well as his sister, Lenore Handwerk of New Tripoli, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a grandson, Ehren Friebolin.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations made in Barry’s memory can be given to St. Peter’s UMC, 7860 Center Street, Emerald, PA, 18080 or the CLIU Foundation 4210 Independence Dr, Schnecksville PA 18078. Harding Funeral Home, Slatington is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.