Harry J. Barron, 85, of South Tamaqua, West Penn Township, died Tuesday evening, January 13, 2015 after a brief illness in Compassionate Care Hospice at Blue Mountain Health Systems, Lehighton Campus surrounded by his closest family.

Born in Tamaqua, Harry was the oldest son of the late Jon and Eva (Adams) Barron. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was educated in Tamaqua Area Schools.

Harry started selling cars in 1946 when he opened Cadillac Corners on a lot where Depot Square Park is today. He went on to become president of A & B Auto Parts, Inc. and A & B Auto Auction. He cofounded the Pennsylvania Auto and Truck Salvage Association and was a founder of the Eastern Pennsylvania Hot Line Association, a service between auto part yards locating hard to find parts.

Harry served on Schuylkill County's Planning and Zoning Commission for five terms and most recently was a code enforcement officer for West Penn Township and served on the committee to build the Schuylkill County Animal Shelter. He also was a long time Director of the Tamaqua Building and Loan Association.

Former Governor Milton Sharp, in one of his first appointments, named Harry to the position of Equipment Supervisor for PennDOT District 5, placing him in charge of the drivers and equipment operators inspecting rental equipment, Spring and Fall inspections, as well as equipment to be repaired or scrapped in the counties of Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, and Schuylkill.

Harry was a member of the National American Legion and served as an officer for the Hamburg, Coaldale, and Quakake Posts.

Harry raced stock cars, mostly his favorite #76 and was a National Dirt Track Champion.

He is survived by his former wife and longtime companion Shirley, Daughter Susan wife of George Demyanovich. Step daughter Amy, granddaughters Karly, Jillian, and Lindsay who he raised and who loved him like a father. Daughter Anna of Allentown and sons James of Schuylkill Haven and Ronald of Pottstown. His namesake, grandson Harry James Barron III, who will be sure to make his Pap proud and a sister Betty Harkins of Kelayres, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially Ethan, Davin, and Kamerin who he enjoyed and loved to spoil.

He was preceded in death by his wife Avis, sons Harry Jr., Donald and infant son Ronald, sisters Hazel and Patricia, brothers James and John.

Private services and interment were handled by Louis D. Truskowsky Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Mahanoy City. Visit www.truskowskyfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book and send sympathy cards.