robert barnabei
Robert J. Barnabei, 69, of Weirton passed away at his home on Saturday August 3, 2013. Born on July 31, 1944, in Steubenville, OH, Bob was the son of the late Anthony and Frances Russell Barnabei. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Barnabei Harasick. After graduating from college and working at National Steel, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served during the Vietnam War. As a Captain with the U.S. Air Force, Bob and his young family moved back home, where he continued his employment with National Steel. Bob retired from his career in the Steel Industry as the Manager of Information Systems at Weirton Steel. With a combination of education and real world experience, Bob joined the faculty of West Liberty University as a professor, where he taught computer/finance classes for 14 years. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family. He cherished the Sunday family dinners and he loved attending his grandchildren's activities. Bob and JoAnn traveled to many of the grandkids' events including football, basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming and children's operas. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards with friends and family. He was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He also was a member of Knights of Columbus 3734 and the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Jo Ann Durante Barnabei; his three sons, Dr. Robert A. and Diane Barnabei of Davidson, NC; James and Lisa Barnabei of Wanaque, NJ, and Mario Barnabei of Weirton, WV; his two daughters, Kristin and Dr. Narasim Murthy of Hagerstown, MD and Michelle and Kevin Elias of Weirton, WV; his twelve grandchildren, Joseph, Kathryn, Benjamin, Isabella and Olivia Barnabei, Emily, Nicholas, Nathan and Elizabeth Elias, Maya, Ella and Nora Murthy; a sister, Margaret and Joe Belson of Fairfax, VA; his brother in law, Jerry and Lucille Durante; an aunt, Anna Pellegrino; and two first cousins, Margaret Castelli, and Laura Settepanella; all to whom he was very close. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Tuesday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited 6:30 PM Tuesday in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Wednesday at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton. Rev. Fr. Manuel Gelido and Monsignor Lawrence Luciana will preside. Entombment will follow at Saint Paul's Cemetery, Weirton Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Church or Grade School, 229 California Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062

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  1. Kevin,Shelly and Barnabei family,

    You have our utmost sympathy. We will not be able to make visitation or services because of other commitments.You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

    Ron and Mina Paul

  2. Hello and love to all my cousins! Know that you are in my thoughts and I send you love and light. No doubt about it, Bob was a great man, as many of us know! To Robbie, Jimmy, Shelley, Kristin and Mario, losing a parent is a huge ordeal and the good thing is, you all have tons of wonderful memories of his huge laugh, smile and love! And that is what we get to keep in our hearts during the tough times. JoAnn, I send you big hugs and comfort and hope that you too hold all the loving memories of 47 years! I love you all! Theresa

  3. To the Barnabei Family: You were so blessed to have a husband and father like Bob. He was a man of faith and a model of what all husbands and fathers should be. He loved each of you tenderly as you loved him so tenderly. The Holmes Family grieves with you and prays for you right now.

  4. To Bob’s Loving Family,

    It’s been years since we’ve talked with Bob, but we’ll always remember his smile and easy going way. A true friend to so many, and of course a loving husband and father. Our heart goes out to you during this sad time, you will be in our thoughts and prayers .

  5. Barnabei Family – May God’s love and comfort be with you during this difficult time. Though we didn’t know Bob (may have met him once at grandson Ben’s soccer game) his faith filled legacy lives on with Rob, Diane and kids in NC. It is evident that Bob lived a full life with service to his country, his church, and especially his family. Our continued prayers are with you.

  6. Dear Barnabi family, I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Bob. I am forever grateful for all his help with my classes during my leave of absence. His compassion and kindness will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. My condolences to you all.

  7. To Bob’s Family:

    I had the honor of working with Bob from 2004 until his retirement. Bob was very respected by the faculty and students. He was a very intelligent man with wonderful real world experience that he was able to share. Despite all of that, he was a very humble person and we were very fortunate to have had him as a professor at West Liberty.

  8. Dear Dr. Robert, Diane and entire Barnabei family I am very saddened by Your loss. I did not know your Father but from the Legacy a man leaves with such a wonderful and caring Family says all one needs to know how great of a Man he had to be. Your Dad is in God’s Hands and has no worries. My Family is thinking of and Praying for yours.

  9. To the Barnabei family: My thoughts and prayers are with you, all. Mr. Barnabei was a wonderful man with an amazing family. His legacy will live on through all of you. May God grant you peace and comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    -Carole DeAngelo

  10. Rob,

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you and comfort you. –

    Diana DiCarlo

  11. Thinking of JoAnn & her Family today has they lay their beloved Husband and Father to rest today ~~ We pray for your comfort and peace ~~ stay strong and lean on each other as you grieve. You have a wonderful family, with our deepest sympathy and friendship, Mike and Janice

  12. Dear Barnabei Family, I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I remember Bob from a singing group we were in together when he was in High School. It seemed like he was always smiling. You all have my deepest sympathy. And my thoughts and prayers will be with you as you cherish your memories. Sincerely, Jim Brandolino

  13. JoAnn and Family. So sadden by the news of Mr. Barnabei. I remember him as always having a smile. JoAnn, My Mom sends her sympathies as you all have a very special bond. God Bless all of you and keep you in his loving arms. “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Psalms 91:11

    Kristen Dorich and the Dorich Family

  14. To Bob’s Family,

    I just learned this evening of Bob’s passing. I’m stunned and deeply saddened. I taught with him at West Liberty, and thought the world of him. He was always so pleasant and helpful, He was a pleasure to work with and to be around. I extend my deepest sympathy to all the family, and will keep Bob and all of you in my prayers.

  15. We are complete stunned by Bob’s passing. Wish we had known in order to give comfort to JoAnn and family. We certainly would have attended the funeral. We truly want to send all of our best to everyone. We are so sorry for your great loss. Love, Mary Ann

  16. I knew Bob when he attended St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. He was a wonderful young man, sweet, cheerful, and generous. I am saddened to learn of his passing and send my condolences to his family.


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