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John Barbara Obituary
John F. Barbara, 75, of Findlay, passed away Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
He was born Nov. 20, 1947, in Warren, to Kenneth and Sophia Dorthea (Barley) Barbara. John graduated from Leavittsburg High School and attended Kent State University. He served his country in U.S. Army.
He married Saundra Matey on Nov. 27, 1971, and she survives along with two sons, Jon Barbara and Christopher (Jami) Barbara, both of Findlay; grandchildren he was the proud Papa to, Olivia, Sophia, Christopher "CJ," Connor, and Lyla Barbara; sister, Carol Barbara (Pat) Quinlan; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ken Barbara.
John worked for 35 years for General Motors where he served as the local UAW President. He later served as administrative assistant to the International UAW President in Detroit, Michigan. He was a board member of American Red Cross in Michigan, an Honorary Kentucky Colonel, and was a member of UAW Veteran Organization. He loved attending sporting events for his sons and grandchildren.
Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of John to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, or charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Barbara
5 Entries
Richard McMillan
February 23, 2025
I had the privilege of working with John at the UAW- GM National Human Resource Center in Detroit. John was a fine man and a man of his word. While John represented the UAW, International Union and I represented Labor Relations, General Motors Corporation, by working together, we established and over saw 8 Regional Centers throughout the United States. In 1985-86, we were able to place over 11,000 displaced auto workers into new jobs with other employers. We traveled throughout the country working together Most of all we became friends. John was a great guy.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Rich McMillan
Cindy Ebling
October 13, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We will miss John.
Cindy and Randy Ebling
S Chambers
October 12, 2023
Im so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in the memories of time shared. Never forget that God cares. May his care soothe your hearts. (1Peter5:7)
Brady Family
October 11, 2023
Mr. Barbara was one of the finest men you could ever know. He loved his family and friends dearly and would do anything for them. I have fantastic memories and will never forget him. My deepest condolences and prayers to the Barbara family.
Sincerely,
Brady Family
Bill and Roxanne Koche
October 9, 2023
Sandy
Very sorry to hear about John. He was a really nice person and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed
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Funeral services provided by:
Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840
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