William P. "Chip" Barger

William P. “Chip” Barger, 76, of Hanover, PA, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus, on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, with his loving family by his side.

Born on July 21, 1949 in Findlay, OH, he was the son of the late William Craig and Norma Rae (Lanning) Barger. Chip met the love of his life, Marilee “Merl” (Barrick) Barger in 1971 and shared 52 cherished years of marriage with her. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Chip served as an infantryman and combat photographer with the 1st Marine Division in the Vietnam War. Following his military experience, he began a career in sales which was well matched to his outgoing personality. As an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, he served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and Lector. He was a former President of the Hanover Lions Club and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also volunteered as a driver for injured and ill veterans through Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation Network.

Chip’s passion for sports led to a lifelong commitment to baseball and a fulfilling role as an umpire for more than fifty years with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and American Legion Baseball leagues. His dedication as an umpire earned him the honor of officiating the Little League World Series, in Williamsport, PA. He was a basketball referee and volunteer coach for elementary and high schools within the PIAA and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) for many years. He was considered knowledgeable of the rules, court appearance and mechanics, and was selected to be an evaluator of his peers. Because of his character and his love of the game he was also a basketball official for Special Olympics.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Marilee, are three children, Angie Barger and her husband, Joe Astick, of Marshfield, VT, Joe Barger and his wife, Tara, of Annapolis, MD, and Cori Barger and his wife, Matilde Radicati di Brozolo, of Brooklyn, NY; five grandchildren, Ida and Ori Astick, and Austin, Brody and Isabella Barger; his twin sister, Linda Blurton; a brother, Greg Barger and his wife, Judy, all of Eldersburg, MD; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church by The Revs. Michael W. Rothan and Samuel Miller. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a viewing from 6 to 7:30 PM Thursday at Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway in Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5055 Grandview Road, Hanover, PA 17331 or to the MGM Guest Home of Hershey, 1947 Horseshoe Pike, Annville, PA 17003.