John Russ Russell LaBarbara

Russ LaBarbara, 69, of Cross Lanes, WV lost his long battle with cancer on Saturday, January 30th 2016 in the arms of his loving wife of 47 years, Dian, while surrounded by close family. He is the son of the late Jasper and Mary LaBarbara of Charleston.

Russ was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and recently retired from Johnson Controls after a long career in the field of Mechanical Engineering. He was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Of Engineering (1969) and held an MBA from Wright State University (1977). Russ also served in the Ohio Army National Guard from 1971-1977.

Russ was an active member of the Nitro Antique Car Club, and loved showing and working on his antique car. Russ touched countless lives during his time on Earth and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

He leaves his legacy not only with his wife, but his brother, Ned LaBarbara and wife Jill of Scott Depot; sons, John LaBarbara and wife Daneen of Elizabeth, PA, and Matt LaBarbara and wife Heather of Nicholasville, KY; daughter, Katy LaBarbara Jolley and husband David of Parkersburg; grandchildren, Chase LaBarbara, Jeff LaBarbara, Marvin LaBarbara, Allyson Jolley, Elyse Jolley; and step-grandchildren, Billy Brown and Kasey Brown. He also leaves his legacy with his niece, nephews, and his beloved dog Tillie.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes with Rev. George Webb officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Visitation will be held this evening from 5-8 pm at the funeral home.

Flowers are welcome but the family suggest donations be made in his memory to Amedisys Hospice Care at Marietta Memorial Hospital or the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com