Anne Gleason Barbin was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on September 18, 1936 and passed away at home, on October 13, 2013. Anne lived a remarkable life with her husband and partner of 60 years, William Wilson Barbin. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and pursued her Master’s Degree in History at Kent State University, while raising her children. Together Anne & Bill raised five children, all of whom became attorneys.
Anne was a masterful hostess to her friends, family and her husband’s out of state and international business associates. At the same time, her intellect and industry were devoted to providing better education for others, first as a teacher in the Massillon Public School System and later as the President of the Jackson Township School Board. Anne used to say if the public school system wasn’t good enough for her children; it wasn’t good enough for anyone’s children. The reforms she implemented to improve the quality of education included addressing school overcrowding issues, equality in code of conduct issues, and ethics violations. Inspired by the reform she was able to achieve in her own school district, Anne joined the Canton League of Woman Voters and assisted many other women in getting elected to local office. In 1978, Anne ran for state senator; unable to get the endorsement of the Republican Party, who refused to back a woman, she was as always, undaunted and ran without their support, finishing a close second.
She also pursued a very successful career as a real estate agent, to help defray the cost of her children’s educations. After their education was completed, Anne and Bill pursued their shared love for adventure, taking full advantage of Bill’s position in Luxembourg with Goodyear International. Together they toured five continents. They rode camels in Egypt, went on safari, and toured Asia with a side trip to China and white water rafted in Jamaica. They spent many weekends sampling the best that European cities had to offer. Eventually, Anne returned to Akron with Bill, where he finished his long career with Goodyear, and Anne renewed old friendships throughout the area. Anne’s life was well lived and well loved.
Anne was preceded in death by her mother, Olga Davis Gleason and her father, Andrew J. Gleason, as well as her grandson, Bryan Barbin. She leaves behind her children and their spouses; and her brothers; Robert Davis Gleason and Andrew Davis Gleason both of Johnstown, PA, and numerous cherished friends and family members.
WILLIAM WILSON BARBIN
William Wilson Barbin, Age 76, passed away October 23, 2013. Born July 3, 1937 in Pittsburgh (Carrick), PA, as were his grandmother, grandfather, father and mother. He graduated from Southmont High School in Johnstown, PA and the University of Pittsburgh in 1958 with a B.S. in Chemistry. He worked in the tire industry for over forty years with Firestone and Goodyear. He was pleased to have co-authored several truck tire compound patents but he was most proud of his wife and children. He loved his friends and wanted them to know that. He loved to travel and visited five continents. He preferred football to fishing and golf to other outdoor sports.
He was preceded in death by his wife Anne Gleason Barbin, his parents Mary Alexander Barbin and Amos Montgomery Barbin and grandson Bryan Davis Barbin. He leaves behind his sisters; Marion Harfoot and Amy Meier (Art).
Anne and William's passing leaves behind their daughter Valerie Anne Barbin McMahon (Tim), sons; William Gleason Barbin (Karen), State Representative Bryan Edward Barbin (Tami), Andrew Wilson Barbin (Diane) and Bradley Davis Barbin (Lyn), grandchildren William Wilson McMahon, Leigh Meaghan Barbin, Bradley Maitlin Barbin, Kate Barbin, Joshua Gleason Barbin, Sarah Barbin, Gavin Alexander Barbin, Gap Alexander Barbin, Jacob Barbin, James Fitzpatrick Barbin, McKenzie Davis Barbin, nephew Craig Harfoot, nieces Katrine Meier Balch (Victor), Julianna Meier Wright (Phillip) and Alyssa Meier Amis (Wade) and Anne and Bill's lifelong friend, Jeannette Olszewski.
A memorial service will be held to honor both William and his wife Anne, Saturday, October 26th 12 NOON at THE CATAVOLOS FUNERAL HOME 3653 W. Market St. Fairlawn 330)665-1700.
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