Christopher Barbieri

Christopher A. Barbieri - SAVANNAH - Christopher A. Barbieri, 72, of Savannah, Georgia and husband of Mary Ann Papa Barbieri, died unexpectedly Monday morning, July 6, 2015, while on vacation. Born in Dedham, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Aldo P. Barbieri and the late Elizabeth Bessie Christopher Barbieri. Chris was a communicant of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. In his childhood and youth, Chris was a professional actor and began his acting career at age 7. Part of the Golden Age of Television, he appeared in live television dramas such as Kraft, Studio One, and Philco Television Playhouse. A memorable role was with Eddie Mayehoff in the Studio One production The Star Spangled Soldier that aired in 1956. He also played the role of Melvin Huxley on Search for Tomorrow and appeared in the movie Odds Against Tomorrow with Robert Ryan and Harry Belafonte. Chris was a graduate of Boston University and began his business career as an account executive with BBDO in New York City. He moved to Savannah in 1969 to help start WJCL-TV and was one of the founding fathers of UHF television in Savannah. After 20 years with WJCL as Executive Vice-President, Chris transitioned to a position with Bellsouth Advertising, from which he retired in 2008. After his active duty service, Mr. Barbieri served in the United States Army Reserve for 22 years and retired as a Major. Among his military service accomplishments was management of the press center hosting the White House press corps for 3 weeks during President Eisenhower's recover from a heart attack. Chris was well known for his leadership in the Lions Club and recently received the high honor of Life Membership. He was a Past District Governor, a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, and was the recipient of several International Presidential awards. He held more offices and received more additional awards than can be listed. Chris was especially known as one of the most creative and effective tail-twisters in Georgia. Representing the Lions, Chris served on the Peach Bowl Board of Directors from 1976-1986. Chris was passionate about the Lions Club's mission to be, in the words of Helen Keller, Knights of the Blind. He served on the Board of Directors for the Southside Fire Department from 1979-1992, serving as its president in 1990. In this capacity, he helped manage the department during a time of tremendous growth. At the time of his death, he was Chairman of the Savannah Film Commission, a District 6 representative on the City of Savannah Traffic Calming Committee, and on the Chatham County Board of Equalization. For many years he was active in the Savannah Italian Club and he was also a proud member of the Italian Heritage Society. His long history of service to his community demonstrated his earnest desire to make the world a better place and to help people. In 1999, Bellsouth recognized Chris for his robust business and community involvement by awarding him with its Hands Across BAPCO award, given to one recipient in a nine-state area. He was preceded in death by his first wife, the late Helen Anne Fattig Barbieri. Surviving are his wife of 15 years, Mary Ann Papa Barbieri of Savannah; one son, The Reverend Chris Barbieri and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, and two granddaughters, Anna Grace and Sarah, of Rome, GA; one sister, Tirrell Graham and her husband, The Honorable Stephen Graham of Marin County, CA; one nephew, John Graham, of San Francisco; and many beloved cousins. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o'clock Friday evening at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church conducted by The Reverend Gabriel Cummings. Interment will be private. Remembrances: Georgia Lions Camp - Post Office Box #1031, Waycross, Georgia 31502 or the Reggie Seoane Fund - c/o Port City Lions Club - Post Office Box 13772, Savannah, Georgia 31416-0772 or the Tom Purvis Fund - c/o - Port City Lions Club - Post Office Box 13772, Savannah, Georgia 31416-0772. Please share your thoughts about Chris and his life at www.gamblefuneralservice.com. Savannah Morning News July 8, 2015 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.