John L. Barbato

SPENCER: John L. Barbato,78, died of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on Monday, Nov. 13th at his home with his wife by his side. He leaves his wife of 53 years, Faith E. (Freeman) Barbato, sisters Mary Adams and husband James of Florida, Joan Barbato and partner Anthony Corbisiero of California, Faith's sister Jean Getek and husband David of Arizona, nephews Seth Gondek in California, Craig Adams in Florida and Dean Metcalfe and  wife Jackie in Arizona,  uncle Robert Bodenstein of New Jersey, cousins in Pennsylvania , Arizona and Virginia, many friends, and his young 'pals' Eli and Everett Bercume. He is predeceased by his parents, John L. and Doris (Bodenstein) Barbato and sister Carol Barbato.

Born in San Francisco, California and raised in Jersey City NJ,  John graduated from St. Peter's University in Jersey City and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Work in New York City. John was a clinical social worker and psychotherapist at several clinics and hospitals in New York.  He lived in New York City and later in Hoboken NJ where he maintained a private psychotherapy practice until retiring to Spencer in 2013.

John had numerous interests and hobbies, including amateur radio ("N2LND"), shortwave radio, chess, French and Latin language studies, weather monitoring, and fishing, and belonged to many related clubs and organizations. He was a fan of the New England sports teams and the San Francisco Giants.  He played several sports in high school and college, as well as semi-pro baseball.  Following 9/11 he volunteered in Disaster Mental Health for the American Red Cross in New York , New Jersey and Massachusetts.  He also volunteered in radio communications for the New York City Marathon and for road races and events in New Jersey and Massachusetts.  He loved travel, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, and the vibrant colors of the Caribbean.

The family thanks all the VNA Care Hospice team, esp.Paulette, Chris and Rev. Ted, for exceptional care during John's final months; Dr Ryan Fillipon, Father William Schipper, and the Bercume family.

Among John's favorite charities are  Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois; VNA Care, 120 Thomas Street, Worcester, MA 01608; Spencer Food Pantry at Mary, Queen of the Rosary Parish, 46 Maple Street, Spencer, MA 01562.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, June 27th at 1P.M. in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 7 Church St., Spencer. A calling hour will precede the Mass from 11:45 to 12:45 a.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terr., Spencer.