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Stephen Barbato Obituary
Henrietta: Thursday, April 9, 2009, at age 54. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Kellie Barbato (fiancé, James Cliver), Stephanie Barbato; mother and father, Barbara and Ed Murante; brother, Jeffery (Carol) Barbato; sister, Linda Christian (fiancé, Dave Best); mother of his children, Lisa Armstrong; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; dear friends, Bill and Diane Mueller. Stephen was a 30-year employee of the University of Rochester Financial Department, and a 30-year captain of the Rochester Wheels Basketball Team.
Friends may call SATURDAY, April 11, from 4-8PM at the DiPonzio Funeral Home, Inc., 219 Spencerport Road, Gates. On Monday morning, April 13, friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass at 10:00 in St. Lawrence Church, 1000 N. Greece Rd. Interment, Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., East Syracuse, NY 13057 or to Sports Net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Barbato
Don Fazio
April 6, 2020
Miss Steve very much. He was the older one of the three of us growing up together (with Jeff and me) and we looked up to him. He was really smart and funny and talented besides very athletic and competitively sports minded. I remember us playing kickball in the street. Basketball in his driveway. Street hockey in the winter. Camping out in the backyard. Playing cards all the time. We bowled together. Just so many memories. Miss him so much. Love you Steve!
Don Fazio
April 4, 2019
Think of you often and miss you. You would be so happy to see the amazing progress made with artificial limbs. I rememeber as kids how you struggled but always succeeded to do whatever we were doing or playing, regardless. Would love for you to be here now. I miss you, Faz.
Donna Allinger
April 27, 2009
I wish to send my sincere condolences to Steve's family. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that he will be missed deeply by everyone who knew and loved him. He was a great person and I am glad I got to know him. He and I were classmates in grammer school
Nancy Merriman
April 22, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's passing. He always found the positive in a situation and was one of the most helpful people I've ever worked with at the University. He will be missed by all who have ever had any contact with him. My heart goes out to his entire family, but especially his daughters.
Barb Forgione
April 16, 2009
I am so saddened and shocked to hear of Steve's passing. My deepest sympatthy to all his family, and the many people that love him. I have Steve since we were kids through having mutual friends, sharing disability issues and more. We lost contact at times, but would always seem to pick up where we left off... His kindness, energy and caring was awesome to see, and a joy to be around! How I wish I had his constant energy.
One of my fondest memories was being coach as the Rochester Wheels played against media folks and others, to benefit a program at The Health Association. This took place in the 90's but it seems like yesterday. We had an unforgetable blast, that night...
I wish we had seen each other more, Steve. I know you are happy in God's Loving Embrace. God must have needed you for something, that only you could do. Heaven is even a happier place, with you there now. I know you are watching over all, your loved ones. May you have everlasting peace, my friend.
Janet Wood
April 14, 2009
Steve was one of the nicest and best people here at the UR. He was kind, friendly, and a true professional. You could count on him for whatever needed to be done, and sometimes it seemed like he did the impossible. He was also the voice of reason. It was such a pleasure to work with him!!! And he had a great sense of humor--we had a lot of laughs! He will be missed!
My heart goes out to you!
Kathy, Michael and Ken
April 14, 2009
Kellie and Stephanie,
I have fond memories of when we were next door neighbors. Many laughs...your father will certainly be missed.
So sorry for your loss,
Mary Lou Pollock
April 14, 2009
I am deeply saddened at the news of Steve's death. Steve was a great person to work with. Whenever I had a question or a problem, Steve would do whatever he could to help me out. University Finance has lost a true professional. He will be missed.
Bonnie Voll
April 13, 2009
It was a pleasure to do business with Steve Barbato. In my 25 year career at the UR Steve was a constant and consummate professional. A customer service oriented individual and a credit to the University. A quality human being, both personally and professionally. His family should know how special and well thought of he was by those of us in the "trenches." He will be sadly missed!
Marie Torrens
April 13, 2009
It seems as if I've known Steve forever. I began working with him about 20 years ago. Sometimes, months or years would go by, but when we finally connected (usually by phone), he always remembered me and could always make me laugh. Steve was professional, caring and extremely knowledgeable about his work; but he always had time for a quick smile.
I will miss him as will many who worked with him at the University. Always remember his smile, his joy in the face of difficulty, and, most especially, his deep love for you.
Melody Carey
April 13, 2009
Kelly & Stephanie:
I worked with your dad and not a day went by when he didn't ask how my day was going or make me laugh. He was a great guy and he will sadly be missed. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Noelene Votens
April 13, 2009
Steve was a great guy.I will miss talking to him at work.
I will pray for Steve and for your family at this sad time.
Sincerely,
April 13, 2009
It has been a pleasure to work for 10 years with your father at the University of Rochester. I am very sorry for your loss. My the Lord give you peace and comfort during this time. Sharon Benson (Rochester, NY)
Don Fazio
April 12, 2009
I have known Steve my whole life. We grew up together and were best friends. (Steve and Jeff) We did absolutley everything together boys growing up would do and I have the most wonderful memories of all the fun we had. We experienced so much together and he was a big part of my outlook on life as the older and wiser friend. Plus, I learned what true courage and love was all about. Thank you Steve and thank you to the family. I pray for you and your family and will miss him greatly. Love always.
Sue Brightman
April 11, 2009
Over the past 30 years, I interacted with Steve in his roles in Finance at UR. He impressed me with his straight-forward, knowledgeable professionalism. Steve was a very special person, and he will be sorely missed.
With sincerest condolences from the Physics & Astronomy staff,
Marilyn Haverly
April 11, 2009
Kellie and Stephanie,
Your Dad's smile and presence will be hugely missed at RH. I've admired not only his cheerfulness, but his interest in everything you do! He has impressed me from the first time I met him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you will treasure all the love he gave you and will find strength in that love in the years to come.
Ms. Haverly
Peggy Dettwiler
April 11, 2009
Kellie Barbato (Stephen's daughter) has attended Mansfield University as a music major for the past four years. I believe that Stephen attended every concert in which she sang. I will always remember his jolly personality and positive spirit. His presence will continue to be felt in the front row of Steadman Theatre. Peggy Dettwiler, Director of Choral Activities
Carrie Ballou
April 11, 2009
Kellie and Stephanie,
I am sorry for the loss of your dad.
I worked with your dad at the UR for approximately 10 years. He always had a positive outlook on life, despite the obstacles he faced in his life. He is truly an inspiration to all.
I enjoyed working with your dad over the years and will remember his sense of humor and his love for food.
Ina LaMendola
April 10, 2009
I remember Steven,s courage in all that he did. I still see the wonderful smile and the twinkle in his eye. Steven will be missed by many,myself included. Barb and Ed my love and thoughts are with you and your family. God bless
Bob Barbato
April 10, 2009
Very sorry to hear the news. I offer my codolences to family and friends in Rochester.
It's been a very long time since I saw my cousin Steve. As kids, I remember him as a personality that would light up a room, a gregarious character who enjoyed the company of others, and who would make one feel better just by being there with him. He always enjoyed a good laugh--often acting as a bit of a prankster as all kids can be, and Steve would be comfortable with just about anyone no matter who they were, young or old. Steve liked to compete, he was game for anything, and he liked to win. Still, he would always want everyone to have a chance, take a turn and he would stick up for anyone who wasn’t treated fairly.
Looking back to those days—and learning of Steve’s accomplishments over the course of his life, I recognize that the qualities of the man he became were always present in our youth. The quiet strength, the belief in himself, the will and determination, and above all the sensitivity and caring for others. Steve was a person that would not allow himself to be overlooked or underestimated. As a younger cousin to Steve, knowing him primarily as a kid, I always looked up to him—today, I still do…and always will.
GREG COLON
April 10, 2009
I have the fondest memories of Steve when I briefly played basketball with him in the late 80's. His tenacity on the court will be legendary. I learned about his passing just a few hours ago as my son called from Hamlin where is vacationing. Steve made a lasting impression to my son, who after so many years would remember Steve. Again, thanks for the memories and my God have you at his side.
Regis Steinkamp
April 10, 2009
Steve Barbato was a great person and a great father who loved his children very much, a wonderful friend, a great coach and a great athlete. What I will remember most about Steve was his attitude. When it came to life and sports, there was no obstacle that could not be overcome. He shared this attitude & outlook on life with countless individuals, both able bodied & physically challenged. His life and what he did with it, always inspired me. He made all of our lives richer for having known him. The world has lost a great man. Godspeed Steve and may your spirit soar with the angels. Say Hi to Bob Cohen for me and keep the court ready for us when we get there. Good Job Steve, a life well lived! You will be missed!
Wendy Pryor
April 10, 2009
My sincere condolences to Steve's family and friends, and to all who were touched by this very special man. I had the opportunity to work with Steve off and on over 30 years at the UR, and he was such a pleasure to know; he was so upbeat, friendly, helpful and always an inspiration - from the 1st day I met him at the customer service counter in the Campus Parking Office many, many years ago to the last time I saw him flying through the corridors of our offices at Corporate Purchasing recently. Steve will never be forgotten.
Linda Youngman
April 10, 2009
Steve
I will always remember you and love you. I'm very sadden that your gone. You will be missed by all!!! Your girls had a great dad!!! Thanks for all your work with the kids on the basketball team I know they loved you!! Your the best. I'm not ready for Jim to join you so do me a favor let the big guy up there know that
Luv ya
Linda
Patrick LaMendola
April 10, 2009
I remember a little 12 year old boy who inspite of his handicaps was determined to earn his tenderfoot badge in scouting. The pride that this little guy showed in his success I have remembered all of my life. I was his scoutmaster and I think I learned more from him than he did from me. Barb and Ed, I am so sorry for your loss.
bob and cathy miller
April 10, 2009
we have known steve many years my husband robert knew him from the special special olympics we will miss him dearly love to all and god bless ya my husand went to jefferson and swam in special olympics in 1967 to 1975 steve you will be well missed love ya and god bless play ball in heaven
Scott & Donna Barbato
April 10, 2009
Steve was such an inspiration for our family and so many others. Although we share the same last name, we aren't related. But his friendship with our son, Tim, at camp was priceless. We will miss you, Steve.
Jacquie Shellman
April 10, 2009
Steve was one of the nicest men I knew at the UR. I could always count on him to give me the best advice when in doubt. He will be missed by so many (esp those he used to eat lunch with at Wendy's over the years, piling them all into his stationwagon for the long haul up Mt. Hope).
Jena Tyra
April 10, 2009
Steve-
You will always have a place in my heart. It was a joy working with you the short time I've been here at the UofR. I admire you for all the obstacles you have overcome in your short life and all the lives that you have touched. I will always look up to you for that. You will be truly missed.
Patricia & Pat Mistretta
April 10, 2009
We would like to express our deepest condolences to the family for their loss. May we all keep fond many years worth of cherished memories of Stephen.
Bryan and Leslie Buttram
April 10, 2009
We always admired how involved Steve was in supporting his children's school activities. We share the burden of your family's grief with good memories and prayer for God's comfort and blessing. With heartfelt sympathy and love, The Buttram Family
Belinda McDermott ( Brown )
April 10, 2009
To all of Steve's family and friends, I was deeply saddened and shocked to here of his passing. I have very fond and wonderful memories of him and his family. Time and space can not erase those memories. He was a wonderful person. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
With Fond and Loving Memories,
42 Lockwood Rd.
Milan, OH 44846
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