Joseph P. Barbieri of New York City and Chicago, President of the performing arts publication Stagebill, passed away peacefully at home on March 26th, 20 days after his 98th birthday. Raised in Brooklyn, Joe graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School after which he joined the Army Air Corps. He served with distinction during World War II as a bombardier in the 459th Bomb Group, 758th Squadron. For his heroism, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Joe attended Princeton University and the University of Miami, and played football for both schools.
Joe began his career in advertising sales, working for Hearst Magazines and Curtis Publishing Company. He later ventured into a new endeavor as President of Stagebill, the nation’s largest publisher of performing arts magazines, serving venues such as Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the San Francisco Opera, the National Theater in Washington D.C. and Orchestra Hall and the Civic Opera House in Chicago. The company published magazines for 66 separate arts organizations, producing 50,000 programs daily. Joe remained President of the publication until its sale.
In retirement, Joe and his wife Maria enjoyed international travel, spending part of the year at their home in Brazil. Joe was a life-long adventurer, risk taker and visionary. He golfed and fished world-wide and was a passionate fan of the New York Yankees.
Joe is predeceased by his beloved wife, Maria Luiza de Sa and his devoted sisters, Adelaide B. Iacono and Teresa M. Barbieri. He is survived by his beloved son, Joseph P. Barbieri Jr., his nieces and nephews Karen Iacono Ustick, Steven J. Iacono (Alicia), Paul D. Iacono (Jeanne), Laura Iacono Mangone (Mario), as well as six great-nieces and nephews and five great-grandniece and nephews, who will forever cherish his memory and legacy. He will also be missed by extended family members and devoted and steadfast friends.
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