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San Jose High School

Philip LaBarbera Obituary

Philip A. LaBarbera

Resident of Saratoga

Sept. 16, 1935-Jan. 10, 2011

Phil passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on January 10, 2011.

Phil's family roots were in Trebbia, Italy. He was born a second generation Italian American in San Jose California, and he lived his entire life in Santa Clara valley. Phil attended San Jose High School where he starred in baseball. After returning from military service in Germany in 1960, he married his true love and lifelong best friend Deanna Lewis. Their 50 year union was filled with love and adventure, and their lives revolved around their immediate and extended family, and lifelong close friends including Elmer and Sarah Pasquinelli. After a long career as a salesman for Southern Wine & Spirits, Phil enjoyed an active retirement traveling with his wife and daughter, doting on his family, and pursuing his lifelong dream of planting and nurturing his own vineyard.

Phil was a loving, giving person who deeply touched all who knew him. His big heart, perseverance and generous spirit provided inspiration and comfort to so many throughout his life. The world has lost a truly good man.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Deanna Lewis LaBarbera, daughter Sheree Hanson and son-in-law Ted, and his three cherished grandchildren Kelly Anne, Matthew and Mitchell. Phil is also survived by his brother Don Labarbera and his wife Donna, brother Ron Labarbera and his wife Shirley, brother-in-law Rohn Lewis and wife Marcy, brother-in law Dale Lewis and wife Diane, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who loved and adored their Uncle Phil. He was preceded in death by his parents Philip and Antoinette LaBarbera, Deanna's parents Frank and Grace Lewis, and sister in law Mardell Lewis.

Friends and Family are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Phil's life on Friday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m. at St Martin of Tours Church, 200 O'Connor Drive, San Jose, CA 95128. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Phil's name to St Martin of Tours School, 200 O'Connor Drive, San Jose, CA 95128, or to JW House, 3850 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 12, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip LaBarbera

8 Entries

Gloria Guardino Losco

January 31, 2011

May the love of family carry you through your grief

Gloria Guardino Losco

January 31, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joni Hansen

January 26, 2011

My family remembers with great fondness Phil's jovial nature, the care he showed to everyone and his fabulous sense of humor. I also remember that he would step up to keep many of the kids from getting into trouble with our mothers, for which I am grateful. My Mom, Barbara, and I adored Phil and of course, Deanna and Sheree.

I offer my heartfelt condolences on his passing and pray that you will find strength in what he left us - great memories, laughter and thoughtfulness. He will be in my prayers.

With Wholehearted Sympathy,

January 14, 2011

Dee, Sheree, Ted and Family ~

We are truly sorry to hear of Phil's passing away. He was such a kind man and will be greatly missed by all. We hope all of your wonderful, loving memories will comfort you.

With Love and prayers to all ~

Kevin and Debbie (Saich) Krilanovich (Aptos, CA)

January 13, 2011

It us sad ti hear about the passing of an old classmate, however it
is a joy to hear about the person he became and to hear that he had a good life. Lucille Bettencourt Cassinghamn

Fran Davis

January 12, 2011

I remember Phil's ready smile and fun laugh while we were at San Jose High School a "few years ago". I'm sure he was a neat husband, Dad and Uncle with great stories to tell. Yes, he will be missed. Fran Hutchinson Davis Class of '53. Central Oregon near Bend

John Emerson

January 12, 2011

Phil was a high school class mate of both me and my wife, Janice (nee: Farr). In school athletics, he was a good competitor. We haven't seen each other very much since those high school days except at class reunions. But Janice and I always enjoyed his friendly company. We are confident that he goes on to new adventures of living in the realm of the spirit! May you in the family experience a generous measure of peace, comfort, and warm memories to last a lifetime!
With Affection,
John Emerson

Don La Barbera Jr.

January 12, 2011

He was a wonderful Uncle, full of life, I looked forward to seeing him everytime we would get together as a family. Great food, Great company and laughs would always be there when Uncle Phil was present. Now he is "absent from the body but present with the Lord." I will miss him dearly.
I look forward to the day when I drink wine with him from the eternal vineyard God has prepared for him and he is now enjoying.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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