Barry Burtnett Obituary

Barry L. Burtnett, 86, of Rome, GA died on 12/25/25. Barry was born in Windber, PA but spent his formative years in Bedford, PA.
Barry was a strong advocate for education. He was a 1957 graduate of Bedford HS, earned his B.S. from Lock Haven University, his M.S. in Education from Shippensburg University, and his Principal's Certification from Rider University.
Barry was an accomplished athlete, coach, clinician, officiator, and administrator.
He coached wrestling for more than 40 years at the middle, high school, and college levels and developed successful youth and collegiate wrestling programs. In 1968, he started Rider University's Division I wrestling program and within 4 years, lead the team to a MAC team championship. His 1973-74 team finished 15-0-1, the first team to achieve an undefeated season. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Rider University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Bedford County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Nottingham High School Hall of Fame. In 2013, he received the Dan Gable Award from the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) to recognize his hard work and excellence in promoting the sport of wrestling.
He also worked concurrently for 35 years developing and directing athletic training programs including the Rider University Sports Medicine Program, and the Steinert and Nottingham High School AT programs. He impacted the career paths of many young adults, encouraging them to pursue athletic training as a vocation. He was recently nominated for induction into the National Athletic Trainers' Assoc. Hall of Fame for shaping the profession through his leadership, service, and mentorship.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Judy Livengood, his brother Alfred Burtnett (Sarasota, FL) his sister Gail McGill (Chestnut Ridge, PA), his three children: Kerri (Ellijay, GA), Kory (Burlington, NJ), and Kelly (Florence, NJ) and his six grandchildren: Ryan, Kaitlynn, Rachel, Emily, Kenny, and Sean.
Henderson & Sons in Rome, GA will handle the funeral arrangements. A memorial service will be held on 1/17 in Rome, GA and on 2/28 at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rider University Wrestling Program at https://gobroncs.com/sports/wrestling.