Thomas Barness

Tom was born on September 18, 1933, in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, to Thomas John Barness and Victoria Vlasic. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering in 1958 and began his career in the tool and die industry, eventually serving as Executive Vice President of the International Technical Assistance Corporation. While at the University of Pennsylvania, Tom joined ROTC and later served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve through 1964.

Tom was first married to Irene Kain, the mother of his children, Thomas Barness and Jane Verdecchia. In 1982, Tom and his second wife, Joan Champion, moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they embraced and enjoyed the Florida lifestyle. Later, Tom met his partner of 27 years, Nancy McCarty, with whom he shared a full and joyful life in Fort Lauderdale. Together, Nancy and Tom loved traveling, dancing, and discovering great restaurants.

Tom was a true charmer, full of life and blessed with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved betting on football games, horse races, and just about any wager he could persuade his grandson - or anyone else - to join. He enjoyed running, spending time at the beach, and especially loved the waters around Key West. No dinner or family gathering will be the same without Tom’s love of a good party and his devilish spirit.

Tom is survived by his partner of 27 years, Nancy McCarty; his daughter Jane Verdecchia and her husband, AJ Verdecchia; grandchildren Ella and Thomas Verdecchia; son-in-law Greg Elliott and his wife, Catherine Chastain Elliott; daughter-in-law Robin Bivings and her husband, Lanier Bivings, and their daughters, Emma Galarza and Callie Bivings; son-in-law Kevin McCarty and his wife, Angela McCarty, and their children, Kellie and Chad McCarty; and son-in-law Mike McCarty and his wife, Trish McCarty.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas John Barness and Victoria Vlasic; his son, Thomas Barness; and his second wife, Joan Champion Barness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s memory to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation or to St. Anne’s Terrace Purse Fund in Atlanta, GA.

Tom's funeral service will commence on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 10:30 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 4595 Bayview Drive Fort Lauderdale, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Patrick Naughton. Entombment will take place in Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the KRAEER - FAIRCHILD FUNERAL HOME, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. (954) 565-5591.