Richard LaBarba Ph.D.

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Lehigh University University of South Florida University of Tennessee

Richard LaBarba Obituary

LaBARBA, Richard Carmen, PhD., 69, passed away June 15, 2004 at home while under the care of LifePath Hospice. Born July 16, 1934 in Easton, Pa., Richard was the youngest of 13 children. He moved to Tampa in 1966 from Tennessee. He received his undergraduate degree form Lehigh University and his PhD from the University of Tennessee. Richard retired in 1996 after 30 years as a Professor of Psychology at the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida, where he was universally loved by all his students. Only Richard's love of his family surpassed his love of music, where he was considered to be a concert-quality pianist, enjoying both classical and jazz, and his love of cooking. Richard was an Army veteran, serving in Korea, and was a published author. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Barbara; his two sons, Richard Jason LaBarba, and Robert Michael LaBarba, both of North Carolina; two brothers, Frank and Donald; three sisters, Fannie Grace and Nina, all of Easton, Pa.; a nd numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. An open house will be held at the LaBarba residence on Saturday, June 19, 2004 from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609, or to the American Cancer Society. Cremation services provided by Glass Funeral Home, 813-932-5308.

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Published by TBO.com on Jun. 17, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard LaBarba

9 Entries

Ron Levin

June 22, 2019

As I said back in 2004, even though we were not close at Easton High, Richard was a great positive influence on me during our time together at Lehigh. I treasured his friendship, and the memorable "ravioli" dinners with his huge family.

Anthony Vitale

June 30, 2004

Dear Nina,

With heartfelt sympathy. A good man has fallen. He will always be remembered. Richard made his mark, and was a distinguished professor. God bless him.

Love,

Anthony C. Vitale

Nina Spadoni

June 30, 2004

A loving tribute to my brother Dr. Richard C. LaBarba. You made me so proud, I raise my glass to you. No good-byes. Until we meet again.

Love,

Nina

Robert Spadoni

June 22, 2004

I was very saddened to hear of my uncle Richard's passing. My wife Sharon, my two daughters,and myself, send our condolences to Barbara and the boys. I have so many fond memories of my uncle that they are too numerous to mention, but one that sticks in my mind, being a musician myself, is of my uncle Richard sitting at the piano in my grandmothers sitting room, playing some sweet jazz. We will all miss you uncle Richard.

Joe & Linda Sclafani

June 19, 2004

Dear Barbara:

We were shocked to learn of Richard's passing. He was a major influence and mentor in my life, and not just in the Psychology area.

Linda and I were reminiscing about our dinner at Bern's in honor of Richard's retirement, and how that was the last time we spoke.

Richard was an influential man whose guidance shaped many students over the years and his legacy will live on through us. His humor, wit and demand for his students' best work will never be forgotten, nor will my memories of the two of you at the times I was a welcomed guest in your home.

We pray that you will find comfort in the many years of memorable adventures you shared.

Harry Rosenberg

June 17, 2004

Barbara, and Family

My deepest condolences on the passing of Richard. I was a classmate and friend of his throughout 12 years of school, and had him as an usher in my wedding in 1957. He was a most unforgettable character who was loved by all who knew him.

barbara cusano

June 17, 2004

I was the oldest niece in the family, and Richard was the youngest uncle. Eight years separated us, so we sort of grew up together. We will not be allowed to grow old together because of distance and death. For me, you'll always be forever young' and the pride of the LaBarba family. I have so many fun things to remember, that the pain will fade. You were gone much too soon, but the really great thing is that you were here. Love you, B

jody cusano

June 17, 2004

Frances La Barba Cusano, was my uncle Richard's sister, Frances, or Liz, as Richard called her, was 21 years older than he. My older brother and sister Michael and Barbara grew up with Richard. My grandmom and grandpop, Carmela and Serofino, lived next door. We had ajoining yards and grew up as one family. Richard was one of the few in family to graduate from high school, joined the Army, graduated from Lehigh, Magna cum laude. We were all so proud of our uncle, and brother. His life was full, but cut short, we all loved him and will miss him dearly.

Ron Levin

June 17, 2004

Dear Barbara...Don't know if you remember me. (I stayed over once in the 70s). Went to high school with Richard and we became really close after I got out of the Marines and went back to finish at Lehigh. He was a great disciplined influence on me ("No movie, you've got to study!"). Made Dean's list my final two years. I'm so sorry he couldn't make it to the EHS class reunion. And he never made it to California. I enjoyed Sundays at his house in Easton, with his mother's ravioli...and Fanny, Frank and Donald. Richard was unique, and I'll always remember him.

--Ron Levin

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