Robert Vincent Barbarisi

Born in East Boston September 28, 1935, the youngest of three children of the late Margaret (Russo) and Joseph Barbarisi, Robert was educated in the Boston school system and graduated from Boston English High School in 1953. Boston College, where he earned his B.S. in government in 1957 remained close to his heart throughout life. He subsequently earned his M. Ed at Westfield State College in 1964 and continued with doctoral work at Boston University.

Bob started his professional career as a teacher of math and social studies at Barre, Mass., High School in 1957, continued as a math teacher at South Hadley Intermediate School from 1958 to 1963 and then turned to the administrative arena as a guidance director and assistant principal at the Holbrook Junior High School in 1963. He advanced to administrative roles, including elementary principal and then director of pupil personnel in Holbrook. He became director of pupil personnel in Methuen and in 1974 he was selected to serve as assistant superintendent of the Chelsea School System until 1978. He spent the next ten years as superintendent of the Mansfield school system, followed by his last tenure with the Provincetown/Truro school system, allowing him to enjoy the family vacation home in Orleans.

Bob was quoted in the Chelsea Record as saying he “attempts to give all children the type of counseling and education he would want his own children to receive.” and his dedication was recognized by professionals in the field.

Through the years, Bob served as an active member of numerous civic and community affairs including Holbrook school committee, American Association of School Superintendents, Rotary Club, and Knights of Columbus.

Bob and his wife, Maryan, never missed an opportunity to make memories traveling near and far, often with dear friends. He especially enjoyed Florida trips with grandchildren and spending winters in Boynton Beach. Bob enjoyed reading, creating stories to tell his grandchildren, dining out for delicious food, golf but especially following his beloved Red Sox and Boston College Eagles football team.

Bob was lucky to have a wonderful family who adored him; his beloved wife of 68 years, Maryan (Lucas); his children Maryan Welch (James), Robert Jr. (Katie), Stephen (Kathleen), Susan, and Diane Kierstead (Leonard); his grandchildren, Ryan, Alexander, Jay, Rory, Elizabeth, Bethany, Cammie, Brittany, Bailey, Myles and Travis; his great grandchildren Charlotte and Callum.

Services to celebrate the love and life of our dad and Grampie will be private.

We’d like to express our appreciation to the incredible caring “village” of supporters who provided us with love, expertise and kindness. Thank you, Harwich Fire and Rescue, Broadreach Hospice, and private caregivers who will remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Bob may be made to:

The Wounded Warrior Project

Donations in memory of Robert Barbarisi

Support.woundedwarriorproject.org

P.O. Box 758516

Topeka, KS 66675-8516

Or

Melmark New England

Donations in memory of Robert Barbarisi

www.melmarkne.org

Melmark New England

461 River Road

Andover, MA. 01810