Obituary of Michael J. Barbieri

Michael J. Barbieri Elmira: Age 69, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center after 14 month battle with cancer. Mike was born in Elmira on February 9, 1943, son of the late Joseph A. and Jennie (DellaRocco) Barbieri. Mike is survived by his immediate family; beloved wife JoAnn DeNunzio Barbieri, together they celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this past July 18th; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa M. and Scott Henderson, Huntersville NC with their children, Sean and Sara; Karen J. and Thomas Coons, Carmel IN with children Joshua and Allie; Kristine M. and Anthony DiTullio, Mt. Gilead OH with daughters, Gabrielle, Isabelle and Juliana. Mike was a 1961 graduate of Elmira Free Academy. After high school he enlisted and served for 4 years in the U. S. Air Force. Mike had a 37 year railroad career with Erie Lackawanna, Conrail and Norfolk Southern. He retired from Norfolk Southern as trainmaster of the Southern Tier. After retirement Mike enjoyed many years of golfing with family and friends. Mike cherished his family; he was a loving husband, father and papa. He was actively involved with all aspects of his daughter's and their families' lives. He especially enjoyed traveling to visit his grandchildren and being their #1 Fan. He was a volunteer with the children's programs at the West Elmira Library and the Elmira Community Kitchen. He was a long time communicant of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and cooked with many others for the "famous" spaghetti suppers and chicken & biscuit fundraisers at Lourdes. He was a member of the Italian Americans Veterans Club and played for a number of years in the I.A.V. Bocce League. Mike took great pride in his Italian heritage, strong faith and service to country. He will be forever missed by his loving family and many friends. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., on Sunday, December 2, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Military honors will be accorded outside of church after the funeral mass. Private burial will be held at a later date. Donations in Mike's memory may be directed to the Elmira Community Kitchen, 160 High Street, Elmira NY 14901 or the American Cancer Society, B. Golisano Hope Lodge Hospitality House, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester NY 14620. Members of the I.A.V. will meet at the McInerny Funeral Home on Sunday at 1:45 p.m. to conduct a memorial service for our comrade Michael J. Barbieri. Signed, Gino Dunn, Commander. A special thank you to Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Dr. Aleksander Rupik, and his staff, for their caring, kindness and compassion.