Francis Joseph "Frank" LaBarbera

He was born April 25, 1919, in Manhattan, New York, to parents Philip B. LaBarbera and Conchetta (Trentacosta) LaBarbera as the youngest of their eight children. Frank was married to Sophie Karnillow on September 5, 1942.

He will be greatly missed by his four children, Christine Lovelace of Denton, Texas, Dr. Philip LaBarbera of Nacogdoches, Texas, Helen Magee of Houston, Texas, and Matthew LaBarbera of Austin, Texas. Frank is also survived by 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sophie; grandson, Brian Philip LaBarbera; great-grandson, Timothy LaBarbera; along with his three sisters and four brothers.

In his latter years, he met a great friend who he called his soulmate, Wallie Keul, and she preceded him in death.

Frank had worked in business accounting with Exxon for 30 years and Haliburton for 10 years before retiring to Nacogdoches 25 years ago. He served as a volunteer at Nacogdoches Medical Center for approximately 15 years.

He was quite a renaissance man, and an accomplished artist and singer/musician. He had the ability to play almost any instrument without any practice or ability to read music. Frank was also a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps.

His family wishes to express great appreciation to a number of people who assisted in caring for Frank, especially Grace Evans, Lydia Quinn and her mother Gay Nell Baker.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Sunset Memorial Park, located at 5127 North Street, with Monsignor James E. Young officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at Cason Monk-Metcalf.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Nacogdoches Medical Center Volunteers, 4920 NE Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-1254.

Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.