Barry “Bear” Mitchell Weckoski, age 76, passed away on April 10, 2025.
Barry, the son of Mitchell Weckoski and Marcia Donaldson Weckoski, was born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. He spent his early years embracing country life—cherishing time on the farm, hunting with his grandfather, and enjoying his favorite wild game, rabbit. He graduated from California High School in Coal Center, Pennsylvania, and went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He especially loved his time stationed in Japan.
Following his military service, Barry worked as a Glazier, where he installed glass in many corporate buildings, casinos, and sports entertainment venues, until his retirement in 2003. He lived for a time in Las Vegas, Nevada, before settling in Cypress, California, where he built lasting friendships and strong family ties.
An avid fisherman, Barry found peace and joy on the water. Whether casting lines in the lakes around Las Vegas, at Panguitch Lake in Utah, or out in the Pacific Ocean, Barry’s passion for fishing was contagious—he passed it down to many in his extended family. His weekends were often spent feeding local wildlife or hosting fish frys for loved ones and listening to Angels baseball or Steelers football on his handheld transistor radio.
Barry cherished family vacations with his sister and never missed a chance to connect with friends and relatives back in Pennsylvania. In 2021, he moved to Cape Fair, Missouri, where he continued to enjoy nature, help neighbors, explore the area, and—of course—fish as much as possible. He loved to ride rollercoasters and flying around the area, exploring from above.
Barry is survived by his sister, Deborah Guerra of Long Branch, niece Marcy Lynn Guerra of Pittsburgh and great nephew Grayson Christopher Guerra of Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother Daniel Weckoski, nephew Christopher Thomas Guerra, and his partner of 40 years, Verneda “Terry” Husted.
Barry will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his deep love for family, friends, and the outdoors. He was adored by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.
A service will be held at Westrip Funeral Home in Crane Missouri, Saturday, May 10, at 11:00 am. A celebration of Barry to follow the service, will be at the Cape Fair, Missouri Property.
Barry, the son of Mitchell Weckoski and Marcia Donaldson Weckoski, was born in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. He spent his early years embracing country life—cherishing time on the farm, hunting with his grandfather, and enjoying his favorite wild game, rabbit. He graduated from California High School in Coal Center, Pennsylvania, and went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He especially loved his time stationed in Japan.
Following his military service, Barry worked as a Glazier, where he installed glass in many corporate buildings, casinos, and sports entertainment venues, until his retirement in 2003. He lived for a time in Las Vegas, Nevada, before settling in Cypress, California, where he built lasting friendships and strong family ties.
An avid fisherman, Barry found peace and joy on the water. Whether casting lines in the lakes around Las Vegas, at Panguitch Lake in Utah, or out in the Pacific Ocean, Barry’s passion for fishing was contagious—he passed it down to many in his extended family. His weekends were often spent feeding local wildlife or hosting fish frys for loved ones and listening to Angels baseball or Steelers football on his handheld transistor radio.
Barry cherished family vacations with his sister and never missed a chance to connect with friends and relatives back in Pennsylvania. In 2021, he moved to Cape Fair, Missouri, where he continued to enjoy nature, help neighbors, explore the area, and—of course—fish as much as possible. He loved to ride rollercoasters and flying around the area, exploring from above.
Barry is survived by his sister, Deborah Guerra of Long Branch, niece Marcy Lynn Guerra of Pittsburgh and great nephew Grayson Christopher Guerra of Pittsburgh. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother Daniel Weckoski, nephew Christopher Thomas Guerra, and his partner of 40 years, Verneda “Terry” Husted.
Barry will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, and his deep love for family, friends, and the outdoors. He was adored by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.
A service will be held at Westrip Funeral Home in Crane Missouri, Saturday, May 10, at 11:00 am. A celebration of Barry to follow the service, will be at the Cape Fair, Missouri Property.
