Gerald A. Barla

Gerald A. Barla, 87, of Seneca, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Silvercross Hospital in New Lenox, with his family by his side.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 10:00am until 12:00pm at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Seneca. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00pm. Burial will be at a later date at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry was born on October 29, 1938 in Ottawa, IL to Andrew and Beatrice (Belongie) Barla. He married the love of his life, Joyce Callahan, on May 27, 1961 at St. Patrick's Church in Seneca. Together they spent 65 years of marriage, raising a family of 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. Jerry served in the United States Navy as a barber. When he returned, he opened up a barber shop in the back of his father's pool hall. He worked as a barber for 41 years until "retirement" where he'd cut hair for his dear friends.

To say Jerry was an avid fisherman was an understatement. He was a member of a fishing club in Coal City and would frequent his club or his friend's club sometimes several times a week. He enjoyed taking many fishing trips to Minnesota with his son and friends. He also loved to ice fish. Outside of fishing, he enjoyed sports, especially football. He religiously followed the Seneca Fighting Irish sports throughout each of their seasons. He was also a runner in his younger days, having run several marathons and many shorter races. But above all, he was a strong man of faith and his world revolved around his family. There was always joy in his eyes when he was talking about his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Barla; his children, Michael (Richard Leighton) Barla, David (Amy) Barla, Brian (Paula) Barla, and Denise (Bob) Visco; his grandchildren, Jonah, Gabe, Emily, Abby, and Maddy Barla, and Hannah and William Boswell; his 14 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way; and two brothers, Louis (Linda) and Richard (Gayla) Barla.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Beatrice; and his grandson, Brennan Barla.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to St. Jude's, Seneca Park Board Little League, or the St. Pat's building fund in Seneca.