Stephen Wadsworth Barber

Born on June 26, 1947 in Jacksonville, Steve was the son of William Grant Barber and Lilla Elizabeth Wadsworth. A lifelong Floridian, he grew up with a curiosity for how things work and an adventurous spirit that stayed with him throughout his life.

Steve grew up in Riverside and Jacksonville Beach, attended school at Saint Joseph’s, John Gorrie, and the military academy at Bolles. He graduated from Fletcher Senior High School, where he played football for the Senators. While attending Santa Fe College in Gainesville, he met his future wife and mother of his children, Carol Rosenblatt, and together they moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia State University, where he studied Business Administration. After losing Carol, he found love again and married Virginia. They were devoted to each other to the very end, enjoying extensive travels and sharing many life experiences, including being active members of Hogan Baptist Church.

Professionally, Steve wore many hats. He was a talented professional photographer and business owner and later served the City of Jacksonville as a Senior Telecommunications Technician in ITD and Mobile Communication. Known as a whiz with anything electrical or mechanical, Steve had an uncanny ability to diagnose, repair, and build just about anything.

A man of many passions, Steve was deeply involved in Amateur Radio service and was a longtime member and officer of NOFARS and ARES. He held a Second Class Radio Telegraph Operator’s License with Ship Radar endorsement. He also earned a general aviation pilot’s license and was a model airplane enthusiast as well. Whether sail boating, power boating, fishing, riding and rebuilding motorcycles, or reminiscing about building and racing cars on dirt tracks in his younger days, Steve lived life fully and enthusiastically. He loved traveling by air, land, and sea, and among his favorite destinations were the Blue Ridge Mountains. He also dearly loved his dogs.

Family, friends, and his faith in God were at the center of Steve’s life. He was an awesome Granddad and “Papa Steve,” and he delighted in taking his children—and their friends—on adventures. He devoted six years to the YMCA Indian Princesses and Guides father-daughter and father-son programs, serving proudly as Federation Medicine Man and Chief. Known as a gifted storyteller, Steve had a true talent for making people laugh and feel welcome. He was always eager to lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.

Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Rosenblatt Barber, and by his grandson, Sean Bennett Rogers. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Barber; his children, Christy Barber Rogers (Chad) and Charles Wadsworth Barber (Vilma); and his cherished grandchildren, Natalie Barber, Joshua Rogers, Emily Barber, Olivia Barber, and Sofia Barber.

Steve will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, boundless curiosity, and the joy he brought to those around him. His stories, laughter, and love of adventure will live on in the many lives he touched.

Floral arrangements are being handled by Season's Design, (904) 356-5575. Donations in Steve’s name may be made to Hogan Baptist Church or Jacksonville Humane Society.

A visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, located at 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, on January 30, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at Hogan Baptist Church, 8045 Hogan Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216, on January 31, 2026, at 10:30 am. The committal service will be conducted at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.