Barry S. Zehnder, Sr.

Barry S. Zehnder, Sr., passed away peacefully at home on Friday, May 15, 2020, completing his final tour of duty. Barry was born and raised in Wilmington. He attended P.S. DuPont High School and upon graduation he left for Parris Island, after which he served 5 years in the United States Marine Corps. After returning to Delaware, he began his career as a Newark Police Officer. During that time, he was selected to represent the department at the National FBI Academy and was a member of the 99th graduating class. Barry retired from the Newark Police Department after 21 years of distinguished service, and then went on to serve as an Agent for the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. In that capacity, he developed and taught the statewide Server Training Program. Barry was also a Freemason and a member of the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #4. Throughout his career, Barry was honored and proud to serve his city, state, and country. Over the course of his lifetime, Barry enjoyed aviation, shooting, boating, all manner of home projects, and woodworking. His passion for flying led him to earn his pilot’s license for airplanes, helicopters, and gliders, and stories of his boating adventures frequently entertained and enthralled his friends and family. Many have been grateful recipients of his craftsmanship. Barry decorated countless lives with practical and beautiful works of art, creating heirloom quality desks, bookcases, cabinets, tables, chairs, custom picture frames, and wind chimes. He was dedicated to maintaining a high level of physical fitness throughout his life, and he could often be found at his local gym even in recent years. Barry’s appetite for reading was insatiable, and he frequented his beloved Bookateria until its closing day. Throughout the years, Barry enjoyed the companionship of many dogs that would accompany him on hunting trips, walks in the woods, and boating adventures. His genuine sense of compassion even extended to Timber and Bean, two squirrels that he raised after rescuing them from a fallen tree. Above all, Barry’s greatest pleasure was spending time with family and friends. To know him was to know that no matter what, he would be there if you needed him – always willing to lend a hand, give advice, and offer encouragement. No matter if he was needed as a companion for a cross-country trip, a steadfast cheerleader at a sporting event, or to be there to get his granddaughter off the school bus, he could be relied upon, without question, rain or shine. Barry was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Fitzpatrick; aunt, Doctor Grace Jaynes; uncle, Walter “Bud” Clark; grandson, Ryan; and beloved dog, Snickers. Barry is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Betsy; aunt, Betty Clark; son, Barry Zehnder Jr.; daughter-in-law, Nicole; granddaughter, Taylor; and his cherished dogs, Sierra and Shiloh. A public visitation will be held from 6 pm until 7 pm on Monday, June 1, 2020, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, in compliance with COVID-19 regulations. A flag presentation will follow by the Newark City Police for Mr. Zehnder’s dedicated service to the department. Services and burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you share some measure of your own time and talent with someone in the spirit of generosity that Barry so often exhibited.