Theodore Barbera

Theodore R. Barbera
Hollywood, Fl - Theodore Barbera of Hollywood, Florida, and formerly of Worcester, passed away on April 23, 2012.
Ted leaves his brothers, Raymond Barbera and his wife Doreen Donovan-Barbera of Worcester, MA, Charles Barbera of North Brookfield, MA and David Barbera and his wife Christine Barbera of Hubbardston, MA. Ted also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews, Brooke, Allison, Nicholas, Michael, Charles and Raymond. Ted also leaves behind a stepmother, Pina, a sister, Michelle and her daughter, Eleanor.
Ted was preceded in death by his dear mother, Carmelita and sister, Phyllis. He was also preceded by his stepmother, Barbara Joan.
Ted was born in Brooklyn, New York but was raised in Worcester. Ted attended Worcester Public Schools graduating from South High School in 1964. Ted graduated from Clark University in 1968 and received his master's from the University of Lowell in 1979.
Ted was a highly regarded music teacher in the Worcester Public Schools for almost 35 years, retiring due to health issues in 2007. Ted was involved in many activities relating to the love and teaching of music. Ted directed school orchestras, conducted numerous musical programs, and gave instrumental music lessons throughout his exemplary career. Ted also gave private instrumental lessons to many students throughout his lifetime.
Ted was an Air Force veteran, stationed in Mississippi in the 1970's.
Ted was a very grateful organ transplant recipient, receiving a liver transplant in 2005 which extended his life for seven more years. Although Ted was unable to donate any of his organs due to the damage from pancreatic cancer and chemotherapy, he did donate his body to science in the hope that it would be of help to researchers as they work on a cure for this devastating disease.
Ted touched the lives of the many thousands of school children whom he enthusiastically, creatively, and passionately taught for almost four decades. Ted will be greatly missed by his family, many of his former students, and his many friends.
Calling hours will be held at the Athy Memorial Home, on Friday, May 18, 2012 from 3 to 5 p.m. The burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted's memory may be made to the Friends of Mercy Centre, Inc. P.O. Box 3410 Worcester, MA 01613, to benefit the Music Therapy Department at Mercy Centre.