Matthew J. Barba
Matthew Joseph Barba, age 49, of Hamden passed away on Friday, December 16, 2016. Born in Holyoke, MA on January 4, 1967, he was the son of Joseph and Agnes Carrozzella Barba of Cheshire. Matt graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1986 and went on to serve in the United States Army in Germany. He attended Johnson & Wales University and was an accomplished chef for many years. He later worked as a nutrition manager at AIDS Project New Haven and was currently a case manager at Turnbridge of Hamden. He had an infectious smile, a great personality and was an inspiration to others. He will mostly be remembered as a tireless advocate for people with addiction and sadly missed by all the lives he touched. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved son, Henry Liam Barba; sisters, Susan Barba Jacobs and her husband Thomas of Cheshire, Jennifer Barba of Cheshire; a loving niece, Alexandra Czarkosky and three cherished nephews, Ethan, Jack and Max Fuoco as well as several uncles, aunts, cousins and dear friends. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial directly in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to greet the family on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to an education fund for his son Henry through the funeral home.
Agnes, Jenifer I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers of comfort and understanding for your family.
Peace be unto you
Katurah
I first met Matt just three months ago at my little brother Vinnie’s funeral services. I didn’t know Matt well but I do know incredibly painfully well what your entire family is now feeling. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you ever just need someone to talk to. I know that no words will ever make this ok and that it won’t even seem real to you just yet. I know that emotions are just so mixed and powerful from shock to sadness to anger to extreme pain to regret and guilt. The only thing that I keep repeating to myself is that there is simply one undisputable fact in all of this, and that is that nothing will bring him back. I’m not sure it will ever get easier, it certainly hasn’t for me yet but know that you are not alone. I stand with you in an army of broken hearts. I have been thinking of you all all weekend and I send my love and prayers and so many wishes of peace and comfort to your family.
As Matt leaves us, it is with faith I know he will be joining Cousin CJ, Uncle Jack and my sister Jen; he will move on to the loving arms of God and be welcomed into heaven to keep good company with those who have gone on before him. My wish for the Barba/Carrozzella family is that you live life to the fullest, love to the fullest and each day remember Matthew sweetly as we all will remember him. We are all brothers and sisters and stand side by side in prayer for Agnes, Joe, sue and Jenn, Alex, Ethan, Max, Jack and most of all, Henry, to give of ourselves in their time of despair. Let us pray for their strength as life moves forward without The physicalness of Matt. Let us pray for their peace. Let us pray for their hearts. Let us pray for our eyes to see them, our mouths to speak carefully and wisely, our ears to just listen and our hearts to be wide open and filled with love. May we lift them up when they fall. May we all remember how blessed we were to have had Matthew a part of our lives and how blessed we are that he will be watching over us , smiling and shining in the glory of our Lord. Lisa Frenzilli Ferraro
I first met Mattie in 1988. We were assigned to the 4/41st field artillery of the 19th infantry brigade. I became his roommate for more than a year.
He became my brother. Who couldn’t love that guy? He was kind, generous and heck the most gregarious gentleman one could hope to be roomed with. But, he had impulses he could not control. It was evident, even then, when we were so young.
Later in 1990, 1993, 1997 I visited Matt in his different iterations because I so valued his friendship. Before cell phones and social media I called his dad year after year for Matt’s newest contact information and his father was always so polite and generous. Thank you sir, for that.
I loved Matt he was my friend. I didn’t always approve of his choices and he and I had many arguments regarding them but I forgive him and I will always love him. If there were one guy I woukd want in my fox hole, one soldier I would want fighting on my side I would always choose Matthew Joseph Barba. He was friend and brother.
Matt and I were kind of .forced. into friendship, as well as Jennifer and Susan. We didn’t really have a choice in the matter with our parents being best friends, who seemingly did everything together. It didn’t take long for that friendship to turn to love – and Matt and I always shared a special bond. We all went through those awkward stages together – always with love and laughter and amazing memories. The 5 of us turned into beautiful, caring, kind adults, thanks to our wonderful parents.
I am at a loss for words. I don’t know your feelings – but I know Matt’s. I do know the pain – yours, and Matt’s. This may not all make sense now, but losing Matt has reminded me exactly what I need to do to stay clean and sober. For all the lives he has touched, it has also reminded them – Matt’s passing will never be in vain – he will continue living within us on our journey. He has passed on a gift of gratitude to me that I, in turn, can only repay by sharing, just as he did. Paying it forward. He will forever live in my heart, my memories and my recovery. Matt’s story, is now part of mine. I will proudly collect my anniversary medallions in Matt’s honor. Mr. and Mrs. Barba, thank you for forcing all of us together – Matt has saved my life, along with so many others. I hope someday what I’m trying to say will all make sense to you. I was blessed to have him in my life and heart for the time I did, as well as all of you. I love you all so much. May God keep you all safe in his embrace. Fly with the angels Matty – you are free at last of the pain…I love you.
Although its been years since we spent time together, I still mourn for my old friend. I pray thar God welcomes you into his loving arms and eases your soul. I will miss you pictures on FB where you cronicled every trip with Henry. I pray that God will watch over him and you family as they navigate their future without you.
Matt and I first connected last summer. He had an incredible, open heart and his love for his son was so apparent and joyful. While we never got the chance to meet in person I always appreciated our continued friendship. We last checked on each other during the fall when we tried to plan an apple picking outing. I am so sad to just find out that your smiling face is now only a lasting memory. And I struggle to explain how sad to know that you have been taken away from your son at such an early age. I hope that as you now become his guardian angel, Henry finds the strength to hold on the amazing memories you have given him. I know I will cherish mine.