Thomas Joseph LaBarbera

AGE: 49 • Wilmington, Del.

Thomas Joseph LaBarbera, age 49, of Wilmington, formerly of New Fairfield, CT, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017.

Thom graduated from New Fairfield High School in 1985 and then attended Western Connecticut State University from 1985 to 1989. He graduated from the University of Delaware in 2002.

He was a teacher at Concord High School in the Brandywine School District and formerly taught at Caravel Academy.

Thom was predeceased by his grandparents Tom and Carmella LaBarbera of Connecticut and Adolph and Anna Konopka of New York. Thom is survived by his sons Benjamin and Samuel, and their mother, JJ McDonald, all of Wilmington; his parents Gene and Marianna LaBarbera of New Fairfield, CT; brother Paul and his wife Suzanne and their children Nick, Isabelle and Cassandra LaBarbera all of Red Hook, NY; and many beloved Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12:00 PM on February 4, 2017 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Friends and family may visit at the church from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the State Parks Trust Fund, Delaware Community Foundation, PO Box 1636, Wilmington, DE 19899.

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Published by The News Journal from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas LaBarbera

Sponsored by Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory - Hockessin.

36 Entries

Thomas LaBarbera

July 26, 2020

Very sorry to hear of the passing of this good and honorable man.

Veronica (Ronni) archer

January 17, 2018

My first cousin , my little brother, the one I confided in and shared our most sacred thoughts and situations.and growing up experiences. An amazing father to Sam and Ben, Son to Aunt mare and Uncle Gene , Brother to Paul. I will miss our weekly conversations, family, politics, and student stories.I know you will look down upon all of your family members and bless us with your heart and soul. I know you will continue to send the white feather sign ,to me as you see fit ,and when I need that inspiration. Always in my heart I know there is an angel looking down on me and my family. This first year anniversary has been tough .

Rhian Harris

August 9, 2017

Mr. Labarbera was an great man, a amazing teacher, hilarious person. as one as his student I had the pleasure of listening to his lectures, he sure knew how to make them fun.There are no one that could replace him in my heart. He is dearly missed

Brendan McCracken

July 16, 2017

Truly an inspiration, and kind mentor. The most knowledgeable person I ever met.

Ben Shaw

April 20, 2017

I never met Thom , but judging from his Mom & Dad , He was a real special man . Gene , Marianne , My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time .

April Spitz

March 12, 2017

Tom was a great Teacher, and he was always there for everyone. He made a promise he'd go watch me at my Taekwondo Tournaments but that never happened... so sad, Rest in Peace Mr Labarbera.

Owen McDonnell

March 10, 2017

Thom was a fine young man. He was a great source of pride to his mom and dad. As his high school principal I was so pleased that he became a teacher and realized the joy of working with young people which I'm he did so well based on the tributes his students have said and done for him. May he rest in peace and my his parents be comforted by the respect we all had for him and our prayers.

Laura Dagostino

February 12, 2017

Mare and Gene, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your son Tom. I did not know him but knowing you both from New Fairfield and all the things I read about him from the Concord H.S. family, he was a very special person, impacting the lives of students and teachers alike. He left his mark on the world and for this you can be proud. God watch over and comfort you and your family as you go through this difficult time.

February 6, 2017

It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.

Steve Blackwell

February 5, 2017

Thom, I am going to miss our chats. You were one of my go-to people to share perspectives on topics of the day. Your humor, wit and wisdom we're just part of what made you an amazing teacher and friend. I can only hope your loved ones can find peace and take solace in knowing how many lives were made better for having you in them.
Addio amico mio

Concetta La Barbera Ward

February 4, 2017

Tommy ~ I have so many fond memories of you, but the one I can't get out of my head is when you were maybe 4 years old and loved McDondald's french fries. As soon as we got in the car to head into town you used to say to me 'Aunt Jetta...when can we go to McDontals and get some fix fies' ? I still see you playing in my front yard with my kids... Eating all of the good cakes and sweets your Grandma Anna made in my kitchen. You will always be that little boy to me.. I love you so much... Always will forever.

Aunt Jetta

Diane Hamilton

February 4, 2017

Thom, I will miss your posts when you would wish me a happy birthday. You always made me smile. You touched so many lives and you had no idea how many! You will be missed terribly by so many! I know you have your wings and are looking down on all of us. Sending hugs and prayers to your sons and family.

Sharyn Edman Pejych

February 4, 2017

Thom was a dear friend. We attended high school together. He loved life, his family and friends, and his students. Thom was a great man and a great teacher. I had the great pleasure a few years back to tell Thom how very proud of him I am. Thom always wanted to teach and he had a special gift that is hard to describe but if you knew him, you experienced his gift. My deepest condolences to Gene, MaryAnn, and Paul.

Timothy Dunne

February 4, 2017

With my deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friend's at this time, I was sadden to hear of his passing.
May Tom Rest in Peace....

Tyler Brown

February 4, 2017

Anyone who took one of his classes will probably tell you of a fun story or lesson he taught. He was the kind of teacher students didn't forget and because of that he will be with them forever.

February 1, 2017

Mr. LaBarbera had such an influence over my children while at Concord. If only he knew how much he meant to all of his students. He was the teacher that all of us remember...the one who made a diffence in our lives. Mine was my high school chemistry teacher...for my kids it was Mr. LaBarbera. I hope you know how loved you were and are and my prayers go out to your family and all of your students.

a neighbor

February 1, 2017

I am so very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May the comfort from your family, friends, your memories, as the God of all comfort give you the necessary strength.

January 31, 2017

There are no words... just Love, from this broken heart.

Rest in Peace, my dear friend. ~ Cathleen Cario-Reece

Barbara England

January 30, 2017

Thom and I were kindred spirits. We shared a common love of languages. literature, travel, art, museums, education...you name it. His deep love of his family and students...both former and current... was forever present in his daily discussions. I will forever see him on every hike I take, in every museum I visit, every time I listen to opera.....and every time I step into my own classroom. He helped me to be a better teacher and a better person. We love you dear Thom....rest now, in peace.

Tim and Caley Gibbons

January 29, 2017

Gene and Marianne,
We are so sorry to hear about Thomas. You are in our prayers.

Suzanne Antilla

January 29, 2017

Dear Gene and Marianna and family

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Suzie and Bob Antilla

Sarah Walsh

January 28, 2017

Dear Thom, My heart bleeds at this time of mourning. You were my teacher, my mentor, a father figure, a life coach, and confidant, and a best friend to me. I had the senior year from hell two years ago and it was you who pushed me to graduate and talked to me every day through all my trials and tribulations. I never felt smart or worth anything and you would go out of your way to prove me wrong and show me that I could do it. I remember one particular morning when we got the call that my uncle passed away the night before and my dad dropped me off at school. I could not think or cope, it had been the second fatality in my family that year and Thom just said, you don't have to student today. And he let me sit by his desk and paint all day and just SAT there and talked to me all day. He was the kind of person who made everyone that he touched feel special and like their feelings mattered. I couldn't have asked for a better friend. and when I graduated and moved away we met for coffee or pizza every single time I was in town and talked on the phone constantly. I can't be there for your funeral but I send you and your family my love all the way from Alva Oklahoma!Love:Sarah R Walsh

The Schofield family

January 28, 2017

Mr. LaBarbera had such a wonderful zest for life that he passed onto all the children he taught. Live life to the fullest . He was the voice of those who had trouble being heard. May you Rest In Peace .
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the LaBarbera family.

K Cloud

January 28, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. Thom touched many lives and brought happiness to many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Skinner

January 28, 2017

The impact that Mr. Labarbera had on me as a young student at Caravel Academy was immeasurable. He made school fun and interesting. I am so fortunate he and I were able to reconnect after so many years via social media. It is heartwarming to hear so many other students had the same experience as I did with him as a Teacher. He will be truly missed. My heart is with his two sons, and family during this difficult time. May they find solace in their memories of this truly remarkable man.

Lauren Pietropolo

January 27, 2017

Thom was always a lover of italian anything, something me and him shared as he told me "We'll always have Italy" for he hosted the class trip to italy this previous spring. I remember how good it felt when he was impressed about my knowledge of art. I believe it was in the museum Uffi where I saw a painting on the wall and thought to myself "I know this piece" I sat there for some time thinking "Where do I know this piece" replaying all the art museums i had been to (as an artist that is A LOT) I had finally decided to go up to him and ask "Isn't that piece in the museo de prado?" having been to spain. I remember the smile that grew across his face and his eyes widen with excitement that one of his own students (and so obviously his favorite :)) had recognized such a piece. I can never forget how proud he made me feel when he told friends and family about this moment. I could never forget it if it tried

April Spitz

January 27, 2017

Thom was a good man and teacher, I remember last year my class went on a field trip to Phillie it was fun

Katie

January 27, 2017

You were always able to help people out during their hardest times. I'm sorry we weren't able to help you through yours. R.I.P Mr. Labarbera.

Tomi Morris

January 27, 2017

My deepest sympathies to Mr. LaBarbera's family and friends, and the hundreds of students at Concord High School whose lives he impacted in such a positive way. He was integral to my son's success, and for that we are most grateful. I think we all have a teacher we never forget, who made the biggest difference. For my son, it was Mr. LaBarbera.

Bridget "Cousin Joyce" Kayser

January 27, 2017

For the doubloons you helped Christina and George FIND at Glen Island. The BEST stories ever.....
I will always remember you with a sparkle in my eyes, a smile on my lips and good memories in my heart, forever My cousin Thom

Alison Aubrey

January 27, 2017

Sending my deepest condolences to Thom's family and friends. May his children be blessed by his memory.

Pam Foltz

January 27, 2017

We have been walking and talking with Thom for the past ten years along the Brandywine. We shall miss his knowledge, his laugh, his pumpkin pies and looking for his recognizable walk around the bend. He loved his boys and his students and we will keep you all in our thoughts. With love, Pam and Jim Foltz

Marvin & Carole Paige

January 27, 2017

Dear Gene & Marianne,
Our sincere condolences, we remember Thom as he was a friend of our son, Chris, and lots of fun memories. We also lived in New Fairfield, Ct.

Condolences,
Carole & Marv

Thom La Barbera

January 26, 2017

Always smiling,kind, and caring. All our love. Aunt Bev, Uncle Tommy

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