Barry L. Diffenderfer

Barry L. Diffenderfer, 68, of Manheim, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Lancaster General Hospital. Born in Lancaster, he was the beloved son of the late Donald W. and Esther Zellers Diffenderfer.

Barry was a 1975 graduate of Manheim Central High School. He built his life around hard work, family, and the community he loved. He had a lifelong interest in mechanics and any kind of motorized vehicles. In his early years he owned and operated White Oak Garage in Manheim. Barry was knowledgable and skilled in repairing and servicing cars and trucks, and took pride in keeping the disposal trucks in his dad’s business in top shape. Later he worked for 25 years as a maintenance mechanic with Arconic Global Rolled Products in Lancaster, where he serviced company tow motors.

Barry had an unmistakable ‘zest’ for life. His interest in all things mechanical branched off into his hobbies. As a young man he raced motorcycles, enjoyed garden tractor pulls, and attained a pilot’s license which allowed him to fly helicopters. For fun, he once landed a helicopter in his parents’ field to the delight of his nephew and niece.

Barry was strong in his faith and believed in the power of prayer. He participated in a Bible study group in his neighborhood, and wanted his life to be an example of Christian love and kindness.

Barry was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, always cheering them on through each season. He also had a deep appreciation for American history; and, on a smaller scale, he pursued stories and memories about his immediate family’s history. Barry loved to reminisce about days and years past, especially delighting in his mother’s tales of being a child in her grandparents’ care. For Barry, too, a real source of pleasure were remembrances of all the childhood scrapes and adventures he and his siblings survived. Barry loved to sit around the dining room table after a filling meal and just remember, reflect, and reminisce.

Barry was a dog lover and had several canine companions that enriched his life through the years: Sammy and Russell, his springer spaniels, and Miles, his beloved cocker spaniel who owned a large piece of Barry’s heart.

Barry was a friendly, likable, kindhearted man. He had a steady presence and was quietly effective at whatever he chose to do. He was an inspiration with his perseverance and always-present faith.

Surviving are two sisters: Mary Ann Johnstone companion of Doug Rossi of Lancaster, Donna J. wife of Michael J. Dieter of Manheim, a brother Jay E. husband of Rebecca Diffenderfer of Manheim, and by nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Barry’s funeral service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM with additional viewing time on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Interment will be in Hernley Mennonite Cemetery, Manheim. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Barry’s memory to: Manheim Food Pantry C/O Salem UMC, 140 North Penn Street, Manheim, PA 17545.