Michael A. Barbarita, 52, of Manchester, passed away January 13, 2013 after battling lung cancer with his adoring family by his side.
The son of Roy and Patricia (neé Heneghan) Barbarita, Mike was born in Yonkers, NY on April 26, 1960. He graduated from JFK High School in Somers, NY; he earned a bachelor degree from SUNY at Albany and a master’s in business administration from Arizona State University.
Most recently Mike, a certified public accountant, had been a partner with William Steele & Associates, P.C. in Manchester. Previously, he worked for Deloitte and then Ernst and Young after moving to Manchester from Phoenix, AZ.
Always active in his community, Mike chaired the Vote of Registrars of the City of Manchester, served as a member of the audit committee of Child and Family Services, and acted as treasurer for Sudden Pitch. Mike previously sat on the board of the Manchester Boys and Girls Club. He carried his duties with grace, intelligence, and enthusiasm.
Mike loved sports. His dedication to personal fitness inspired both family and friends. He introduced his wife to the sport of running and remained her biggest fan throughout his life. Possessed of a sharp wit and keen sense of humor, he was the consummate companion and friend. All who were fortunate enough to call him “friend” will sorely miss his irony, his “2 rules” for getting on in life, and his tough but kind manner. Above all else, he will be remembered as a doting hardworking husband, father, son and brother who cherished the time spent at home with his family.
Family members include his wife of 28 years, Colleen (neé Moran) Barbarita of Manchester; two daughters, Caitlin Barbarita and her fiancé, Brian Wilson of Winston-Salem, NC and Sophie Barbarita of Manchester; his parents, Roy and Patricia Barbarita of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters, Linda Alba and husband Anthony of Phoenix, Diane van der Steen and husband Kimble of Gilbert, AZ; one brother, Christopher Barbarita and wife Abby of San Diego, CA; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kevin and Pat Moran of Wappingers Falls, NY; as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Friday, January 18, 2013 in St. Catherine of Siena Church, corner of Webster and Hemlock Streets. Committal prayers followed in Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Manchester Boys & Girls Club, 555 Union St, Manchester, NH 03104 or to Breathe New Hampshire, 145 Hollis St, Unit C, Manchester, NH 03101.