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Robert Barba
In Memory of
Robert J
Barba
1929 - 2018
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Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels & Crematory
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Obituary for Robert J Barba

Robert J  Barba
Robert J. Barba passed away April 10, 2018 very peacefully surrounded by his family at JGS Jewish Nursing Home after several months of illness. The staff was wonderful in his care and compassion for him. Bob was born April 16, 1929 in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Dominic and Malvina (Sutty) Barba. He leaves a sister, Marguerite Barba of Pittsfield and a brother, John, who predeceased him. He leaves his wife, Anne (Keller) Barba, of 52 years, a son, Mark and his wife, Sharon, and grandson, Jason of Hampden, MA and dear daughter, Suzanne, who predeceased him in 1998. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends.Bob had a thirst for learning his entire life which is evident in the many degrees he earned. He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School Class of 1947. He received a Bachelors of Arts Degree with Magna Cum Laude status from St. Michael's College Class of 1953. He was also selected as a member of Delta Epsilon Sigma Catholic Honor Society. He next attended Boston University and graduated in 1955 earning a Master's Degree in Public Relations. While at B.U. he was elected to TAU MU Epsilon honorary public relation fraternity. Now changing his focus of higher learning to a teaching career, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from American International College in 1971. Further degrees were awarded at the University of Connecticut with a sixth year diploma in Professional Education. His first job out of college was at Hallmark Cards for 10 years as a department head. Bob was ready to put all his degrees into use with a career change, starting his first teaching assignment as a 5th grade teacher at the Warehouse Point School, Warehouse, CT, for 5 years. With the required 6th year certificate of advanced graduate studies, he accepted a position as a principal at Kelly Lane, Granby, CT for the next 22 years. They were the most fulfilling years of employment to him. He was blessed with a fantastic staff and involved parents working together for all the students. He prided himself to the ability to address every student by their name. He was a dedicated leader, conscientious, and treated his staff, parents, and students with fairness. He valued the opportunity to lead such a dedicated staff to help foster an interest in learning for his students. In retirement, he continued in the academic world by tutoring students who were home bound for several years in the Enfield School System. He was also for many years an Educational Surrogate Parent for children that were removed from their parents and plan their school curriculum for the state of Massachusetts. Never having served in the military, but very interested in following the events of WWII and collecting memorabilia for many years. Bob inherited a 40 acre parcel of land in the Berkshires along with a cottage in the woodlands. It turned into a summer escape for his family and friends to enjoy.Bob's kind and gentle manner will be missed by many. His family and friends meant the world to him. He will be missed for sure by his buddies at La Florentina pastry shop for coffee and conversations. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for visitation hours on Friday, April 13, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT 06082. A procession will gather at the funeral home on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 9:00 am with A Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Adalbert Church, 90 Alden Ave, Enfield, CT 06082. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery, Enfield, CT. Donations in memory of Bob can be made to The Enfield Loaves and Fishes, 28 Prospect St., Enfield, CT 06082 or to St Raymond of Penafort Parish, 64 Pearl St, Enfield, CT 06082. For directions or to leave online condolences please visit www.Leetestevens.com
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