Barbara Providence Labianca

Barbara was the middle of three children and was predeceased by her brothers, Steven Mazzara and Leonard “Lenny” Mazzara. In a deeply poignant loss for the family, Leonard passed away just one week before Barbara.

She was also predeceased by her beloved great-grandson, Emanuele.

On September 3, 1966, Barbara married the love of her life, Vincenzo Labianca, in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York. Together they shared 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2016, building a life rooted in love, devotion, resilience, and family.

Barbara was a woman of remarkable energy, determination, and strength. She met life’s challenges head-on and built a life defined by hard work, independence, and deep love for her family.

Her greatest joy was her family. She especially loved cooking and creating unforgettable holiday celebrations that brought everyone together. Saturday nights often meant music and dancing in the basement, where laughter, tradition, and togetherness filled the home. Music was always present in Barbara’s life, and she especially loved listening to Elvis Presley, whose songs brought her joy throughout the years. Whether preparing meals, hosting gatherings, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, music was part of every special moment.

Barbara also had a legendary personality behind the wheel—confident, unwavering, and full of conviction. In her world, stop signs were often treated as suggestions, yield signs were open to interpretation, and any minor mishap was rarely her fault. Family stories, like the time she drove over a rock and insisted she never hit it, became part of the laughter and lore that will be shared for generations.

She devoted her life to both family and work. She began as a stay-at-home mother before pursuing a wide range of careers, including work in the dry-cleaning industry, H&R Block, and Kennedy Airport. She later founded her own cleaning company before moving to Middletown, New York, where she opened and operated a daycare center. Later in life, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant at Horton Hospital, caring for others with compassion until her retirement at age 70.

In 2019, Barbara moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where she made her home with her daughter Lucy.

She is survived by her children: Emanuele LaBianca of Greenville, New York, and his significant other Elizabeth Rosario; Lucy Zaino and her husband Joseph Zaino of Boca Raton, Florida, along with their children Joseph, Catherine, and Michael; and Angie Cangialosi and her significant other Bill Gau of Montgomery, New York, along with Angie’s children Michael, Lauren, and Nicole.

While Barbara accomplished many things in her life, nothing brought her greater joy than being “Nana”—or “Nanna,” as some of her grandchildren called her. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Barbara will be remembered for her strength, humor, determination, generosity, love of family, and her unmistakable spirit. Her love of cooking, music, storytelling, and tradition created a home filled with warmth and lasting memories.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, laughter, and devotion that will continue to live on through her family for generations to come.

May she rest in eternal peace, reunited once again with the love of her life.