Thomas John Barbara
April 24, 1928 ~ October 19, 2016
Thomas John Barbara, 88, of Weirton went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday October 19, 2016.
Born on April 24, 1928, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, Thomas was a son of the late Andrew and Anna Pondel Barbara. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Rose Orecchio (Ilosky) Barbara on August 29, 2014; a brother, John Barbara; and five sisters, Helen Bonar, Mildred Jones, Viola Bortz, Victoria Krupinski, and Louise Hemings.
A U.S. Airforce Veteran of the Korean War, who loved airplanes, Tom retired from Weirton Steel, where he worked as an electrician.
Tom enjoyed life! He was always happy. One might of thought Tom would be a bachelor his entire life, but at the age of fifty he met Rose Orecchio Ilosky and the two were a match made in heaven. They married 20 years later, and were married for 15 wonderful years. They loved to decorate their home for every season, enjoyed dancing to big band music, watching the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins, planting a garden on the roof of their home, boating on the river, drinking an occasional Mickey, and playing the daily number.
A dedicated husband, Tom will always be remembered for the love he had for Rose and their family.
Tom was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus 3734, Four Seasons, Christian Youth Organization, VFW 2716, American Legion Post 10, and the Moon Township Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by two daughters, Karen Robinson (Elisha) and Anna Marie Kaser (Larry); a son, Ed Ilosky all of Weirton, WV; seven grandchildren, Erica Risler (Lee), Jonathan Barney (Jenee), Adam and Jenna Ilosky, Tracy, Brian, Angela , and Jen Robinson; seven great grandchildren, Jasmin Nagy (Jonathon), Danielle, Zachery, and Alyvia Robinson, Brianna and Jordyn Risler, Caiden Thomas Popish, and Ariana Rose Barney; a devoted nephew, who visited weekly, Errol Bortz;' many other nieces, and nephews including John Bortz and Sylvia Fisher; and many great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Monday, at Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday, at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton.
Interment will follow at Saint Paul's Cemetery, Weirton, with military honors by the U.S. Airforce and the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Church, 229 California Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Thomas John Barbara , give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your work on earth is complete. I thank you for your service and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of….. US Air Force Korean War Veteran, Thomas John Barbara, “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Karen, Anna Marie, Frog, spouses and children, Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at the loss of Uncle Tom. What a gentle soul he was. Never had an unkind word about anyone. And the love he had for your Mom was second to none! Even though she sometimes got a little bossy with him (imagine that!), he was always right there by her side. It was a true love story that was wonderful to watch. Find comfort in knowing that he’s already getting reacquainted with her in Heaven. Sorry we can’t be there with you, but schedules will not allow it. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all.
My love to my cousins Karen, Anna Marie, and Frog and families, and Tom’s family. Was working night shift, so I couldn’t be with you at this sad time. My sympathies and prayers to you all!