GLEN ELLYN - Joseph P. Barillari, 74, died Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at the Seasons Hospice in Naperville, IL, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Canton, OH on March 17, 1940 to the late Joseph and Mary Sergi Barillari. Joe was a 1958 graduate of Timken High School. In 1962, he graduated from the College of Wooster with a BA in History. He then attended Washington University where he received his Masters in History. His passion for teaching and learning led him to the University of Maryland where he served as a history professor. Joe then became an administrator for the College of DuPage where he worked for over 30 years. While at the College of DuPage, he founded the College of DuPage Press. He had a deep passion and love for the arts. Joe was a founding member of the "After Hours Film Society" in Wheaton, IL, gave the "Two Minute Reviews" of films on WDCB radio at the College of DuPage, and had a movie discussion show with his closest friend, Allan Carter called "This Week in Movies" on the same station. Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Rachael Ann Barillari. He is survived by his son, Erik A. Barillari of Glen Ellyn, IL; brother, David (Susan) Barillari of Canton, OH; sister, Concetta (Steve) Lovejoy of Baltimore, MD; and numerous nieces and nephews. The Barillari family would like to extend their eternal thanks to Mary Beth Lang for her unconditional love, support, and caring for Joe over the past year. The After Hours Film Society will screen "The Bicycle Thief" at their August 11th gathering at the Tivoli Theater in Downers Grove, IL at 7:00 pm. Joe called this "the best film ever made." The audience will be invited to share memories of Joe after the show. Funeral services will be held privately in Canton, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the "Lustgarten Foundation" for research into pancreatic cancer at www.curepc.org, or to the DuPage Pads organization to end homelessness at www.dupagepads.org For those unable to attend the interment, you may register on line at our: "On Line Registry Page" at www.wackerlyfuneralhome.com. Wackerly Funeral Home, 330-455-5235.

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Published by The State Journal-Register on Jul. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH BARILLARI

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13 Entries

George Vásquez

July 2, 2022

I will always regard Joe as someone bigger than life. He was full of enthusiasm - he loved films, he loved to tell stories, he loved food and cooking, he loved his friends and his students. He would give the shirt off his back to a total stranger and, of course, would not ask for anything in return. During my five years teaching in the history department of the University of Maryland Joe was my best friend. I often subbed for him when he was detained elsewhere and could not make it to class. But his students were totally enamored with him and overlooked any small flaws that might have kept him away from class or force him to arrive inexcusably late. One could not feel neutral about Joe. His exuberance and intelligence, his devilish wit and lovable charm made him a unique individual, and, in my case, a very dear friend.

George Vasquez

April 10, 2021

January 2, 2021

I only found out last night that my dear friend and colleague, Joe Barillari, had died six and a half years ago. We were colleagues in the history department at the University of Maryland back in the late 60s and early 70s, and quickly became best friends. In those days, Joe was larger than life – he loved cooking, especially his Sicilian version of spaghetti Bolognese (which ended up throughout my apartment ); he was a rakish raconteur and consummate wise guy; he would literally give the shirt off his back to a friend in need. Joe attended my second wedding and subsequently introduced me to my third wife, Patricia. The world is a sadder and less interesting place without Joe. May he rest in peace!

Patrick Suarez

February 27, 2020

I'm coming late to this late, but the good professor taught me World History in the fall of 1966 at Maryland. I will never forget the electric atmosphere in his classes. At the end of the semester, the last class before finals, the class gave him a standing ovation. At some point in the future, I'm going to look him up and share my love of cinema, more than 50 years strong.

Jerry Cohen

September 15, 2017

Sincerest condolences to the family.I took a history course from Prof Barillari at College Park, MD. in 1969 or 1970.He was the most stimulating professor of my 4 years, and probably had much to do with my continuing interest in historical reading.He made you want to know more and understand "why".Jerry Cohen283 Crystal Springs Rd Rockwood TN [email protected]

Paul Vale

August 3, 2017

I was a freshman at University of Maryland in 1965, and Professor Barillari was my professor for a World History course. It was clear from the first day that he was passionate about history and he shared that passion with his students. it's been 50 years since I took his class, but I still remember his enthusiasm and I credit him with developing my love of history.

Cathy Russo

July 13, 2014

Joe hired me to be his secretary in 1999. I didn't realize it at the time, but it would be one of the great blessings of my life. Over the course of the 12 years I worked for him, I spent thousands of hours in his presence. It was, to use a favorite term of Joe's, ennobling. If the success or failure of a man's life may be determined by the number and quality of the relationships he has formed during his lifetime, then Joe's life was a spectacular success. Losing a man like Joe in one's life is heartbreaking, but the legacy he leaves each and every one of us helps to lessen the pain. His great wisdom, intelligence, humor, warmth, wit, creativity, passion, kindness (I could go on) made for one extraordinary man. Like George Bailey, Joe was rich in family and friends. He left this world a wealthy man, and we who loved and admired him will remember him all our lives. With deepest heartfelt condolences to Erik and the entire Barillari family.

Janice Stallings

July 11, 2014

What a remarkable man! He gave me my first freelance job when I was a very young, very green graphic designer and I couldn't have asked for a kinder, more invested, more faithful patron. I benefitted so much from his keen insights, artistic sensitivity and loved every zany, hilarious brainstorming session! I am eternally grateful to him. Requiescat in pace.

on the set at COD, about 1998

Phil Smith

July 10, 2014

I've never met anybody like Joe, and if he could hear me say this he would smile and say, “Sorry your luck ran out.” To know Joe was to feel like he was part of your family. He freely offered his candor and trust and love, and I thank him for offering himself as a friend when it was greatly needed by me and my family. He was a gentleman, and he was as close to a wizard as anyone I am ever likely to know.

Dick Marshall

July 10, 2014

attended timken hs with Joe always dressed as though he was going to a wedding and always had his camera aim a someone

Ben Dandrow

July 10, 2014

My condolences to the family of Joe Barillari. Condolences to brother David and sister Connie.

Mary Kay O'Grady

July 9, 2014

So any laughs, so much support, so many bad cars. I'm relieved to see this lovely tribute. I feel like I can finally breathe, dear friend.

Marlene Russum Scott

July 8, 2014

Condolences to the family of Joe Barillari. I knew him for several years through our book group and also his two minute movie reviews. Thoughtful, insightful, and always smiling, he will be missed.

Cyndy Breunlin

July 8, 2014

I have known Joe over the last 15 years or so through Mary Kay O'Grady, his pal who lives in Oak Park. I must say I always had a thoughtful conversation while talking with Joe be it films, books, or politics. Among the old guard, he will be missed.

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