Easter at Sparrow Hospice House in Lansing, Michigan.
Joseph was born in Detroit on January 15, 1928 to the late Vito and Ermelinda (Casamassima)
Barberio who immigrated from Castellaneta, Italy in 1927 to Detroit, Michigan and later settled
in Lansing.
He had a twin sister, Rosie Hengesbach and younger brother of 11 months, Fred Barberio. The
three attended Kalamazoo Street Elementary School in Lansing and were all enrolled in the
same year, leading many to believe that the three were triplets. Joe later attended Resurrection
School for the 5th and 6th grades and graduated from Lansing Eastern High in 1947.
Joe’s first job was shining shoes at a downtown barbershop and he later spent time working at
the Fisher Body Factory and Michigan School Service. After saving for a few years, he
purchased his first car, a beloved Oldsmobile. The majority of his career was spent in a variety
of departments at the state of Michigan where he retired after almost 50 years with the State. He worked extra hours to support his family at Knapps Department Store. Outside of his career, Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed spending time working outside, mowing his lawn and washing his car. He always had a radio nearby tuned in to a ball game. He had a special knack for winning at Poker and Euchre. His special ability was to strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
He met his wife Janet (Rademacher) through his sister Rosie via the St. Mary’s Social Club.
After three years of courtship, they were married September 11, 1954, the
same year as his two other siblings. The two were married for 64 years before Janet’s passing
in 2019.
Joe is survived by his children, Dominic (Jenny) Barberio, Nancy (Chris) Hayden, John (Jana)
Barberio, Dan (Sally) Barberio, and grandchildren Nicholas Barberio, Anna, Joe and Michael
Hayden, Seraphina and Vittorio Barberio, Malinda and Vincent Barberio, and many nieces and
nephews.
His death is preceded by his parents Vito and Ermelinda Barberio, his wife Janet, his twin sister
Rosie Hengesbach, brother-in-law Stanley Hengesbach, brother Fred, and nephew Tom
Barberio.
Visitation will be held at Gorsline-Runciman’s Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11 AM at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, DeWitt, MI
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