John A. Barbera, 85, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Friday November 11, 2011 at Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Buffalo, NY he was the son of the late Sylvester and Anna (Ortalano) Barbera.

From the time he began playing the saxophone in public at the age of twelve, until he retired at the age of 82, John's passion in life was music. He began performing locally, and at the age of sixteen traveled with jazz artist, Bert Niosi to Toronto at the Palais Royale. From there he went to California where he played with many well known artists including, Johnny Long, Horis Height, Desi Arnaz and Freddie Martin until returning to Niagara Falls.

John was drafted into the United States Army Air Force during World War II. He was first stationed in the Philippines and later Guam. He performed with the Glenn Miller Band and met Paul Tanner, son of his commanding officer, Colonel Tanner. Colonel Tanner asked John to organize the 20th Air Force Band whose purpose would be to entertain troops in the Islands, which he did until his honorable discharge in 1946. Upon returning to Niagara Falls, John resumed performing locally at the Town and Glen Casino, the Plantation House, the Bona Vista and Niagara University, as well as throughout Canada and the United States at numerous local and national venues including, the Miss U.S.A. Pageant, the Lipizzon Horse Shows, with Bob Carpenter at the Brock and Prudhomme both in Canada, Coconut Grove in Miami and Del Ray Beach Country Club in Florida, just to name a few. John also worked for the Niagara Falls Board of Education and the Plaza Tower North in Hollywood, Florida.

John leaves behind his wife of thirty eight years Arlene V. (Kirchenwitz) Barbera who he married on November 24, 1973. He is also survived by three daughters, Kathy (Jim) Kirsch of North Tonawanda, NY; Rozanne (Dave) Puskas of Sanborn, NY, Sylvia Pool of Colorado Springs, CO and was predeceased by one son Brian Barbera. He is also survived by three step- children, Kerry Wagner of Tonawanda, NY; Colleen (Pat) O'Malley and Vicki (Gary) Macri both of Niagara Falls, NY; nineteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, two sisters Rosella Sturniolo of Denver, CO; Carmela Williamson of Long Island, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by one brother Sylvester Barbera.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday November 15th at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Stolinski officiating, concluding with Military Honors. Private interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Arrangements by M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.