Kenneth Barbieri, 83, passed away peacefully Monday due to complications from Parkinson's Disease. He was born in San Francisco to loving parents, Mary and Silvio Barbieri. He is preceded in death by his brother Robert, sister Evelyn Miché, and nephews John and Robert Miché. He is survived by his sister Eleanor Murphy, his son Eric Halsing (Michelle), grandchildren Andrew and Zoie Halsing; nieces Susan McGuirk, Mary Miché, Margaret Miché, Joan Briggs, Jeanne Feldman, and Therese Gamez; nephews Michael and Mark Barbieri; and many other cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Kenneth grew up in SF's Excelsior District and attended Archbishop Riordan High School and San Francisco State University. He taught History at Riordan for over 40 years, but he is best remembered for his theatrical productions. Under Ken's direction from 1961-1977, Riordan put on many spectacular shows, including Bye, Bye Birdie, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, Mame, and countless others. His productions played to packed houses night after night. Up until his death, former cast-mates and students kept in touch and visited with "Mr. B."

After retiring from teaching, Kenneth stayed involved with the arts; he directed and acted in community theater productions at Spindrift and Hill Barn theaters. Kenneth had a love for traveling and made many trips to Europe. Additionally, he had a magical love of Disneyland.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have postponed his Celebration of Life to a future date. Stay updated here: https://everloved.com/life-of/kenneth-barbieri

Donations in Ken's memory can be made to Saint Anthony Foundation (www.stanthonysf.org), Parkinson's Disease Foundation (www.apdaparkinson.org), or your charity of choice.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 31 to Apr. 5, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Barbieri

14 Entries

Paul Dumlao

February 4, 2021

I am sad to hear that Mr. B. Passed away. He opened my eyes to enjoy the arts especially theatre. I was in four productions; West Side Story, Oklahoma, The Teahouse of the August Moon (Mr. Oshira), and Man of La Mancha, he was an expert at makeup. He did my makeup on my face and fixed my hair so well that the audience wanted to know if I was a student or an old man and wanted to take a picture of me when I acknowledged that I was a student. I didn’t keep in touch, but I will truly miss him. Paul (Class of ‘76)

Joseph

January 20, 2021

Tied for best teacher I ever had. Positive influence in every way.

April 23, 2020

He always had a question on his test with Halley Mills as the only answer . History was always one of my favorite classes at Riordan. He was an excellent teacher.

Jim McCourt '66

April 15, 2020

Chris Peeples - Riordan 1966

One memory came to me. At the end of every play, we would give Mr. B. a gift. For one play (I forget which one) we got him a very nice wooden ice bucket. I was assigned to get it engraved and I went to Shreve (I think that is where we got the ice bucket). The nice sales person said there was not time to do the engraving. When I explained where I was from and why we needed the engraving done by closing day, she gave me the name of Shreve's engraver. I went, and got the engraving done overnight for about half the cost that Shreve was going to charge. At the time, I thought it was retail markup. As I think about it now, it may have been that, but it may have been catholic school discount. San Francisco was a very different place in the 1960s.

Chris Peeples

April 15, 2020

Chris Peeples - Riordan 1966

Rest In Peace. I was in every play during my four years at Riordan, mostely as an actor, but twice on the stage crew. Mr. B. was a great director, coach and leader. He got the best from the young men and woman he directed. (One of the great things about drama was that it was the one part of Riordan that was co-ed in my day.)

-- Chris Peeples --

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H. E. Christian (Chris) Peeples
4037 Howe Street
Oakland, California 94611-5211
(c) 510-851-0968
[email protected]
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Norbert Feyling

April 14, 2020

Mr Barbieri's art class is one of my favorite memories of Riordan. He was a great teacher and a witty, wonderful human being.

Tim Norman

April 14, 2020

I fondly remember the outstanding plays produced and directed by Mr. B. They brought light into our lives twice a year. While I was never in his class, as a role model, he taught me that success follows hard work and practice. He made a difference in our lives.

Mauricio Escobar - Class of 86

April 14, 2020

When I think of my time at Riordan, the teachers always come to mind. When I met Mr. Barbieri, I was drawn to the way he delivered his sense of humor. Whether in the classroom or a casual chat, he gave you his full attention. What a great way to carry yourself in life. My condolences to Mr. Barbieri's family.

David Tonello

April 5, 2020

...my fondest memories of my time at Riordan was doing theater with Mr.B!!!...Hello Dolly,Mame,An Italian Straw Hat ...A great and funny educator and man!!! He WILL be missed!!!❤

David Tonello

April 5, 2020

...sad to hear of Mr. B's passing...I was in his production of Hello Dolly as well as An Italian Straw Hat and Mame...I've thought of him often and wondered what he was doing...David Tonello Class of 1973

Shawn Paton

April 1, 2020

I have Wonderful Memories of being in his theatrical productions at Riordan

Shawn Paton Class of 76

Albert Alioto

April 1, 2020

I knew him as a teacher and then as a colleague. It would be impossible to say which was a greater blessing. The world was a more joyful, graceful place because he touched a corner of it.

March 31, 2020

Mr. Barbieri was a quality human being and a dedicated educator of history and theater. I was blessed to have been taught by him. RIP KENNETH!
-Anise Naser DDS, Riordan class of 86

Michael Lazzari

March 31, 2020

I had a lot of fun with Ken at Riordan. We shared an office at Riordan with Pat In the band room. In was nonstop-fun and laughter. Ken had tremendous wit. He could make situations and people very funny. There were a lot of parties at his house on Geneva Avenue. It was great knowing him. Thanks Ken for being you.Mike Lazzari

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