Fred A. Barnabei
January 5, 1919 ~ January 1, 2016
Fred A. Barnabei, 96, of Weirton, WV, died suddenly on January 1, 2016, at his home.
Born on January 5, 1919, in Dennison, OH, Fred was a son of the late Domenic and Ann F. DiBarnardi Barnabei. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Rose Bartolovich Barnabei; his son, Dr. Fred Barnabei; brothers, Albert, Chester and Anthony Barnabei; sisters, Emma and Mary Barnabei.
A Navy Veteran of World War II, Fred retired, as a welder, from the Welding Shop of Weirton Steel, where he had 41 years of service.
Very active in our community, Fred was a member of Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Charter member of the K of C 3734; and the Fourth Degree Assembly; Steering committee for Weirton Madonna High School; Served as President of the Hancock County School Board for 5 years, Organizer and first president of the Weirton Termites, Co- Chair with Dr. Weller in the Mental Health Drive that was instrumental in the building of the Hancock Brooke Mental Health Building, Cub Master for BSA Saint Paul's Troop 35, where he earned the District Award serving on every district committee. He ran the Pinewood Derby at the Hub in Steubenville and later at the Fort Steuben Mall; Chairman of the Saint Paul's Grade School Golden Jubilee and Alumni Dinner. Most of all, Mr. Barnabei will always be remembered for his involvement in directing the roller skating program for 22 years at the Millsop Community Center, entertaining and teaching thousands of kids in the Ohio Valley.
Fred is survived by his son, Richard Rick Barnabei and his wife, Patti; daughter-in-law, Sharon Barnabei of Augusta, GA; sisters, Annie Pate and Lillian Ruskowski , both of Weirton; five grandchildren, Fred (Katie) Barnabei, Brian (Jennifer) Barnabei, Stacy (Michael) Loverde, Beth (Pete) Kohelis and Marcy (Casey) Hendrickson; and three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Samantha and Addison Loverde.
Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Sunday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV.
Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited 6:45 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton, where the Fourth Degree Assembly will stand honor guard.
Interment will follow at Saint Paul's Cemetery with military services conducted by the American Legion Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, or Weirton Madonna High School.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219.
Rick and family. Prayers for everyone during your time of loss.
Truly the Heart of Weirton has passed away today. Mr. B as many of us called him, was loved by so many and he gave us love in return. He taught my husband and I both to skate dance. He always had a smile for us and a word of wisdom. We both worked very hard to hold the coveted position of “Head Skate Guard” Yet he also would not tolerate any bad behavior. In our lives Mr. Barnabei made a lasting impact one that made us better people in this world.
If your wealth is not measured by things but by the affect you had on the world, then Fred was the richest man in the world because his care truly touched the world over. Scotty and I are not unique we are just two of the thousands of people that Mr. B gave to. God Bless and God Speed Mr. B till we meet again on the other side. Betty Lawrence
Rick and Patti and family. Me deepest condolence in your loss. I have never met a nicer person. My involvement of some many things over the years with you dad has left a void in my heart, but not in my memory. Too many stories to share here, but Fred will not be forgotten. May God console you in knowing what a good man he was.
Jim and Linda Pauchnik
An absolute Angel on earth. Mr. Barnabei was one of the very kindest, caring people I have ever met. Rick (and Family) I am so sorry for your loss, but can you imagine how crowded it was at the Pearly Gates when your dad arrived? I only knew him the last few years, probably not his best, but you would never have known. Always a smile and him asking how you were doing. Find comfort in Our Lord and in his memory. He will be with you Always Sincerely, Charles ‘Chas’ Biewen + family
Rick & Patty & Family, Our hearts go out to you. He was such a super person. Always smiling and always saying hi to everyone that passes by. We will keep you & your family in our prayers and with in out thoughts!!!
Patti & Dale Visyak & Family
Ric & Patti, We were deeply saddened to hear of your Fred\’s passing. He was such a good man and a wonderful community leader;especially for those of us who grew up in the 50\’s & 60\’s. We\’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Sue Clark
Our condolences to the Barnabei family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Bill and Paulette Galiotos
Minnie Bogdan
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 Fred A. Barnabei, 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 Navy WW II Veteran, Fred A. Barnabei , “A True American Hero†God Blessâ€
†Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 â€
Such a sweet man. My prayers are with you. Judith Merkel
Rick, Patti & family
Sorry to hear of your Dad\’s passing. May God be with your family & guide you through this difficult time
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He seemed in good health when I saw him at the graduation party. So glad I got to talk with him. He always remembered who I was.
My prayers are with your family. May he rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. I didn’t move to Weirton until 1972 and yet I have heard stories of Mr. Barnabei helping at the Community Center.
Dear Rick, Patty and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. As others are saying, he was the “roller skating gentleman”. He taught us girls how to skate backwards. He was more then that to us. His wife Rosie, and our mom, Mary Ference, were great and best friends. He and Rosie stopped over to mom’s house a lot. He was such a wonderful person. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
The Ference Sisters
Dolores Ference Koper
Jean Ann Ference Custino
Ann Marie Ference Leferink
Mary Jo Ference Otey
Dear Rick, Patty and Family,
What a great man your father was. I just read the obituary and didn’t know half of what he did for our community, school and church. He had such a fruitful life and leaves so many rich legacies to attest to that.
I am sure that you will miss him terribly but I hope you will have consolation in knowing that his life was so well lived. It was a privilege to have known him
May God Bless all of you and give you Peace at this sad time.
Love, Carol (Bundy) Black