Obituary: Richard D. Barbieri, 75, of Fairfield

[Editor's note: This obituary was provided by Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home:]

Richard D. Barbieri, age 75, of Fairfield, the loving husband of Jane Ellen Coyne Barbieri for more than 53 years, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2013 surrounded by family and friends. A resident of Fairfield and Bridgeport for all of his life, Rich (or “Papa” as the kids called him) will be remembered for his ever-present smile, positive attitude and fun-loving spirit.

Prior to Richard’s retirement, he worked as a plumber in the Local Union 777.  He was a man who loved to travel and spend time with family (especially his grandchildren). He also loved to volunteer with “his girls” from Short Stay at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, where he volunteered for ten years and over 3,885 hours.

Richard and Jane were high school sweethearts and soul mates and were the epitome of love and dedication. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his three daughters and their children: Donna Keys and her son, Kevin of Fairfield; Linda de Groot and her husband, Stephen of Colts Neck, NJ and their children, Daniele, Hannah and Jordan; Sharon Barbieri and her husband, Mike Cummings of Venice, FL and their daughter, Terran; his brother-in-law, Harold T. Coyne, Jr. and his wife, Aileen and their daughter, Leslie of Scottsdale, AZ.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Barbieri, his brother, Bruce Barbieri and his son, Kevin Michael Barbieri.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Richard’s life will take place on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield. Interment to follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.  Visitation services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s memory to St. Vincent’s College Scholarship Fund, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT  06606. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.