Richard “Rich” LaBarbera, passed away peacefully May 15, 2024, at the age of 81.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Thomas and Angelina LaBarbera, Rich was the firstborn of four children in a close-knit Italian American family.
After graduating from high school, Rich earned his bachelor’s degree in business at Baruch College and pursued a master’s degree at Pace University. It was during his time in the Marine Corps ROTC program that Rich met the love of his life and future bride, Renita Kadilak, in Washington, D.C. They married in January 1965 and started their family in Brooklyn with the births of daughters Jennifer and Melissa. They continued to grow their family after moving to Middletown, with the birth of daughter Allison and later their son Rich.
The devoted husband and father cherished family holiday traditions, including Christmas Eve, family birthdays and Thanksgiving, where he would deliver his traditional poem. Rich was a man of deep faith and a longtime parishioner at St. Anthony’s in Red Bank.
A skilled tennis player, Rich enjoyed his time out on the courts. He also loved thoroughbred horse racing and his time at Monmouth Park, as well as his annual trip to Saratoga Springs with Renita. Rich and Renita enjoyed many activities together, including going to the beach and taking walks together in county parks. With his studious nature and his mind always open to learning and keeping current with events and technology, Rich dutifully read the New York Times every day – cover to cover. An avid reader and learner, Rich delved into countless books on history.
Rich enjoyed a fruitful professional career as a project manager, first with Citibank in New York City, then with AT&T in New Jersey in the fields of telecommunications and technology.
Rich was also dedicated to giving back to his community, including serving as an MYAA baseball coach for over 20 years. In later years, he was involved with the Middletown chapter of the International Lions Club, where he served as chapter president, president of the Lions District L.E.E.D.S (Lion’s Eye, Ear, Diabetes Screening), and chairing the Vision Program, which he grew to establish the first comprehensive program to screen the eyes of all elementary school children in Middletown. Rich won numerous awards with the Lions, including the Melvin Jones Fellow award, one of the highest international awards.
Rich was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Thomas LaBarbera. He is survived by his lovely wife of 59 years, Renita (Kadilak) LaBarbera; his four beloved children, Jennifer LaBarbera, Melissa Laudisi and husband Rick, Allison Dowd and husband Paul, and Richard LaBarbera; and his five cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Emma and Madyson Laudisi, and Maximillian and Van Dowd. Rich is also survived by his brother Michael LaBarbera and wife Ellen; his sister Joanne Riggio and husband Bill; and sister-in-law Susan LaBarbera.
Visiting hours were held May 21 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. The funeral Mass was held May 22 at St. Anthony of Padua in Red Bank and burial followed at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich’s memory to The National MS Society via his personal donation page at donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/In-Memory-of-Richard-LaBarbera.
The article originally appeared in the June 6 – 12, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
