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JOHN BARBERO Obituary
Of Roscoe, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 26, 2010. Born February 23, 1945, he was the only son of Thomas S. and Katherine Watson Barbero. From 1973 to 2009 John was employed by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the arena public address announcer. John's voice could often be heard on network television promos. He was the first hockey PA announcer to add a little fun to the job which he first did with his memorable calls of Mario Lemieuuuuuuxxxx! He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Barbero Christian, and her husband, Dr. William Christian, and granddaughters, Stella Dee and Roxie Grace Christian of Scottsdale, AZ; son, Brady Thomas Barbero, and his wife Kathleen Quinn Barbero, and grandson, Quinn John Barbero, of Allenport; and son, Brett Anthony Barbero of Roscoe. John was preceded in death by his parents and fiancée, Sharon Ankrom. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the MELENYZER - DUBARR FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1008 Furlong Avenue, Roscoe. A Blessing service will be held Friday, July 30, at 9:45 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Church with Rev. George Moneck officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. American Legion Post 801 will conduct their service at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home. On-line condolences for the family will be accepted on the funeral home website, www.melenyzer-dubarr.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John's name be made to the Mario Lemieux Foundation, 816 Fifth Avenue, Sixth Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or at www.mariolemieux.org.
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Bill Queenan
October 8, 2010
Your Voice will forever echo in the hearts of all Penguin Fans.My prayers go out for you and your family.
Rick Miller
August 30, 2010
As a student at Ringgold High School, I met John at a summer street hockey league he organized; this was back in '73 or '74. Although I left the area in the early '80's, I continued to follow the Penguins. It always brought me pleasure hearing John's voice in the background over the TV or radio. He will be sorely missed.
Reed Family
August 13, 2010
Our heart goes out to your entire family. May knowing others care give you all a measure of comfort. May the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our pain and sorrow give you all the needed strenght to endure is this most diffcult time. For God is healing the brokenhearted ones,
And is binding up their painful spots.
Mike Ficorilli
August 1, 2010
You were the best in the business John. My condolences to the Barbero family and everyone who had the privilege of working with him.
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John Messana
August 1, 2010
John was a great friend when we were growing up and the loss of him in my life has the Angels weeping. We are not supposed to lose those we have loved but I know that I am a better person for having known John. His life achievments speak volumes of the love so many had for this bastion of Honor. I shall miss him very much. My heartfelt sympathy is with his family.
Mary Pat Curran
July 31, 2010
Dear Katie and Brady,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. May good memories of your time with John sustain you at this difficult time.
Top Shelf
July 30, 2010
John - you won the greatest Championship ever my friend....the Press Box will never be the same without you.
You will certainly be missed but you will never, ever be forgotten....."everybody clap your hands....clap...clap...clap...clap"
Rick Santini
July 29, 2010
I grew up in Roscoe and John lived in a house a block away. As a kid his connection with the Penguins always astonished me. A true professional in every sense. With sympathy to the Barbaro family. God Bless
Debbie Zippay-Matthews
July 29, 2010
Mr. Barbero was my English teacher at Carroll Jr. High (Ringgold) in the early 70's. He was loved by all of his students. His class was unique in that he recorded our class reading assignments (on a huge reel to reel). We would listen to our books during class. Even back then, before he was known as "The Voice of The Pens, his voice was making an impact on so many. My deepest sympathies & prayers to John's family.
Michelle (Morris) Santia
July 28, 2010
Mr. Barbero was my high school principal in the early 80s at Waynesburg Central. Since 1990 I have been a Pittsburgher and have frequently enjoyed hearing Mr. B announce at Penguin games. It was like hearing an old friend. He will be missed but more important, he will be remembered.
July 28, 2010
My condolences to your family.
Thomas Murphy, North Side
Jerome
July 28, 2010
John was one of the finest people I have ever known. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. I will miss him.
MARTIN MATELAN
July 28, 2010
SADLY,ANOTHER GREAT PITTSBURGH VOICE HAS BEEN STILLED. I HOPE THAT THOSE WHO FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS DO SO WITH THE SAME GRACE AND HUMOR WITH WHICH HE APPROACHED HIS CRAFT. JOHN WILL BE MISSED .
Matthew Blon
July 28, 2010
He was the best plain and simple. His voice was the first and last thing I heard at my first penguin game, and his voice will be playing in my head everytime the penguins score. He was truly a fantastic man and his memory will live on in the hearts of all penguins fans. Thanks for the memories John. I extend my deepest sympathies and prayers to the entire Barbero family.
George Bertha
July 28, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Barbero at PNC Park a couple of years ago when I was lucky enough to win a contest that FSN Pittsburgh had. I told him then that I enjoyed his work and he was very gracious to me. Rest in Peace, old friend.
Todd
July 27, 2010
It was really great to know John and have the opportunity to enjoy so many Penguin game with him.
Dorothy Bedillion
July 27, 2010
My son Richard Bedillion was very sad to learn of John's passsing. He has a lot of GREAT Memories of John and thinks he was the best! John will be missed in the hockey world. Our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Barbero family.
Jeff
July 27, 2010
My sincerest sympathy goes out to John Barbero's family and friends. John's signature calls made all Penguin fans feel as we were part of his family and friends. You will be missed in the hockey world, the education field and the community. He and Mike Lange made Pittsburgh hockey unique. RIP
Don Holthaus
July 27, 2010
Man this cancer thing steals another great one away from us - I hate this. It hurts to think his voice will not be heard again. He was so good at what he did. May God comfort the family.
Scott Harris
July 27, 2010
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Barbero family. John will be remembered to most for his unique voice that made all Pens fans feel at home.To me I will remember him as Mr. Barbero,my High School principle.He had a wonderful rapport with young people and left a lasting impression on many of us.I was fortunate to remain friends with John after my school years and had the opportunity to spend a nice afternoon not long ago having lunch with him.We will all miss him.Thanks for everything.
Donald
July 27, 2010
He has been and always will be the voice of the penguins for me. Since the early 70's that is all I have known and there was a noticeable difference this past year during his absence. My prayers go out to his family as the grieve his passing.
Chris Novak
July 27, 2010
When I think of the Penguins in Mellon arena, I hear John.
Glad they gave you a Stanley Cup Ring.
RIP John
Joe Eberle
July 27, 2010
John, you were the BEST!! You will be tremendously missed. Your voice is etched forever in the memories of Pens fans everywhere. Just hearing your voice takes me back to when I was a little kid and the excitement I felt at my first Pens games. Your voice was an inseparable part of the Arena experience. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Mike
July 27, 2010
As a 30 year old, I was able to grow up with Penguins hockey reigning supreme. My favorite memories are going to games with my Dad to watch Mario play. Along with that are my memories of Mr. Barbero's goal announcements. When the new announcer started to call games, my wife and I didn't know what to do. We will forever miss his wonderful voice calling Pens games.
Randy
July 27, 2010
Simply put, John was THE voice of Penguins hockey at the Civic/Mellon Arena. Some of the greatest moments in Penguins history are punctuated with John's signature calls in my memory. John, although you will be missed, you'll never be forgotten by Penguins Nation. I hope John will live on forever and be inducted as a member of the Penguins Hall of Fame/Ring of Honor.
Jeff
July 27, 2010
I can shut my eyes and hear his announcements from the game as clear as a bell. He was a wonderful announcer, a wonderful man, and a part of Pittsburgh history. He will never be forgotten.
July 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the Barbero family. Mr. Barbero introduced me to the Penguins when I was a student of his and on the newspaper staff at Carroll Junior High in the mid 70's. For $5 we got a bus ride and a ticket to the game. We may have been the only people there at that time but we had fun. I have been a Penguins fan since that time. I often thought about Mr. Barbero and Mr. Guy who always took us to the games. He was a great teacher and the best announcer ever! Carole (Demcisak) Dienert
July 27, 2010
Sidney Crrrrrrrrrroooooossssssbbbbyyyy
R.I.P John
Jon Kunkle
July 27, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Barbero family. I only had the pleasure of meeting John once through his son Brady and he was truly a great man. The world lost a special person but undoubtedly one that left many fond memories.
merilee melvin
July 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you..Johnny was a great man...He will be dearly missed...He had such a wonderful wit about him not to mention much dedication...Thanks for being my friend...
Robert Lenart
July 27, 2010
Thank you for all of the memories, I will never forget your voice. R.I.P. John.
The Lehners
July 27, 2010
Another distinctive voice in Pittsburgh sports becomes a cherished memory. John will be remembered as part of the Igloo experience, by all who saw Pens games there. Heartfelt condolences to the Barbero family.
Fred
July 27, 2010
I will never forget the first time I heard Mr. Barbero announce a Mario Lemieux goal at my first Pens game. His voice encompassed everything good about hockey in Pittsburgh. My sincerest condolences to the Barbero family.
Mike
July 27, 2010
I will always have fond memories of Mr. Barbero's calls, especially during the Cup runs in the early 90s. Classy, professional, and irreplaceable. You are missed. Thank You for the memories.
Patrick Weld
July 27, 2010
I knew John, before I knew John. As a kid, listening to him and Mike Lange were the only reasons to stay up and listen to the Pens.
It wasn't until almost a year after I was working with him at Central Greene that I made the connection. His life working with children was also a passion, and he knew he had its own place and deserved its own focus and attention.
I only mentioned the Penguins once to him there - he smiled briefly.
Due to my role, I usually only got to talk to him when students were in their darkest moments. Principal Barbero was a wonderful man who cared deeply about his students.
Ray Lucas
July 27, 2010
He was every bit as much of the Penguins as any player or coach. He made games fun even during the lean years. He will be missed but always remembered. Another Pittsburgh Legend! You will have the best seat in the Consol Energy Center to always watch the Pens now! Rest in peace, John
Matthew Nester
July 27, 2010
Sincere condolences to the Barbero family. I didn't know John at all, but, from people I have talked to who did, he was a great, great man. Rest in peace, John. You will ALWAYS be the voice of the Penguins to me.
Susan Dugan
July 27, 2010
I remember Mr. Barbero not only as the announcer for the Pens, but as my daughters' high school principal. He was responsible for both my daughters' academic successes. My eldest graduated from Johnson and Wales University cum laude. My youngest graduated from Waynesburg University magna cum laude. Thank you, Mr. Barbero.
Sean McManus
July 27, 2010
As a kid I used to try to imitate his voice. I loved hearing his player intro's and goal calls. I've missed hearing them this past year and am truly saddened that I won't hear them again. My condolences to his family. We've lost a great person and a true iconic figure in Pittsburgh history.
Elle
July 27, 2010
"One minute...one minute remaining in the period." And forever...forever remaining where Mr. Barbero will be missed.
Ryan McCartney
July 27, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Barbero family during this difficult time. Until 2005 when I became a season ticket holder with the Penguins, I really only heard Mr. Barbero's goal calls on the television, it was a pleasure to hear his wonderful calls in person the last few years, he was dearly missed last season, and will always hold a special place in every Pens fans heart. God Bless and rest in peace Mr. Barbero, you were one of a kind and will be deeply missed.
Dan Wagner
July 27, 2010
John was the quintessential part of the Penguin game experience. He could punctuate every goal with an un paralleled level of excitement and at the same time deliver the announcement with total class. John was also a warm and friendly character in the press box who will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy to John's family.
Ryan
July 27, 2010
My condolences to his friends and family. His voice will always be associated with the Mellon Arena and the Pittsburgh Penguins. I think it was the only place that waited for the announcement of the goal before celebrating. He is truly a legend and will be missed
Aliza Balcer
July 27, 2010
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Barbero family. As a long time Penguins fan, know that John will be missed. Games weren't and will never be the same. He is a legend and will live on in our memories.
Lynn Cozzo
July 27, 2010
My deepest symphathy to the Barbero family. Penguin games have not and never will be the same. Thanks for all the great memories John. You truly were one of a kind. You will be missed.
Pens Fan
July 27, 2010
Pittsburgh is a unique sports town where sports celebrities aren't always on the field or the ice - Myron Cope, Joe Tucker, Bob Prince, Art McKenna and John Barbero. No one can replace them. Thank you John for all of the fond memories I have had with you at the Arena. We'll miss you.
Sherrie, Jennife Osterman
July 27, 2010
Your family has our deepest cocndolences from our family. May our prayers be felt by your family. God grant him peace.
JC
July 27, 2010
My condolences to the Barbero family. John was a legend at his craft. His voice will remain one of my fondest memories growing up as a die hard penguins fan. Games will not be the same.
Jim Miller
July 27, 2010
Brady, Brett, and Melissa:
I was very sad to learn of your father's passing. I so enjoyed listening to him when I had a chance to go to see the Pens play. He was a consumate professional. I have never heard another PA annnouncer as good as him. He will always be the voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins. I so wanted to be his replacement last year when he took his medical leave. I modeled my style after him. I will never forget him. May God bless you and comfort you at this time of loss and know that your dad is on the minds and in the hearts and prayers of the hundreds of thousands of fans who were fortunate enough to hear his voice.
Dejan Kovacevic
July 27, 2010
Deepest condolences to family and friends of the singular, inimitable voice of our Civic Arena. A Pittsburgh treasure and a better person.
Kayvan Ilkhanipour
July 27, 2010
Some of my greatest memories in Pittsburgh sports history have your voice punctuating the moment, rest in peace.
Timothy Cope
July 27, 2010
Thanks for all the Great Memories Mr Barbero. It hasnt been the same without you and it never will be. You truly were one of a kind!
Kevin B
July 27, 2010
My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to the Barbero Family. Mr. Barbero's voice at the Civic/Mellon Arena was every bit of Penguin folklore as much as Mario Lemieuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuux! He was missed immensely last season and will be missed forever. Fortunately his voice (which I still often imitate) will always be in my head. :-) Going to the Mellon Arena was always like going home. His voice was comforting and soothing and touched a generation of Penguin Fans.
Jim Gricar
July 26, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jon
July 26, 2010
RIP Mr. Barbero. You will be missed. I can't speak for all Pens fans, but for a good many, like Tom McMillen stated in the article, he was the only voice of the Penguins we knew.
My condolences to his loved ones
C W
July 26, 2010
Long may you run, John.
His family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Clint Novak
July 26, 2010
John was the voice of the Penguins inside the Igloo, and will be terribly missed. All great highlights of Pens history trace to his voice and Mike Lange's. Very fitting in John's final year of work, the Pens won the Cup. You will be missed dearly by Penguin Nation.
Brian Lee
July 26, 2010
John Barbero found the perfect balance between informing and entertaining the fans. Too often, announcers try to make it about them, but Mr. Barbero always had a professional and pleasant delivery that truly enhanced Penguins games. Rest in peace, and hopefully we can raise the Cup soon in your honor.
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