Joseph "Joe" Barbella

Joseph "Joe" Barbella, aged 95, of Havertown, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John and Caroline (Debella) Barbella, and the beloved husband of the late Rose (Alessandrine) Barbella. 

Joe graduated from Edward Bok Technical High School in Philadelphia where he studied Commercial Art and later utilized his artistic talents into a successful 44 year career as the Commercial Art Director with Pep Boys.  He also would take on freelance jobs and worked on numerous new product campaigns for the Philadelphia Bubble Gum company.  He loved his job and would be famous for saying he never worked a day in his life 

The arts held a special place in Joe's heart. He found joy in painting, both with oils and watercolors, and generously shared his skills by teaching oil painting classes at Haverford Township Adult School and the Quadrangle retirement community where he later resided.  Joe loved music and enjoyed playing the piano, guitar, accordion, and singing his favorite tunes from the American songbook.  Joe also relished playing chess and bocce with family and friends. 

After retiring from Pep Boys, Joe continued to contribute to the community through his monthly articles for the local News of Delaware County newspaper, sharing his insights and funny stories with his readers. 

Joe was a caring brother of John and the late Salvatore Barbella. He was the loving father of John and wife Susan (Maynes) Barbella, the late Michael Barbella and partner William Thomas, and Joseph Barbella and husband Timothy Barton. He was the adoring Pop-Pop of Nicole (Barbella) and husband Nehemiah Burney-Porter, Matthew and wife Jacquie (Burke) Barbella, and Rachel (Barbella) and husband Kevin Delaney. Joe's most recent title was Great Pop-Pop, as he welcomed Xadavious Burney-Porter into the family this past February. 

Joe's presence was characterized by a positive, friendly, and humorous personality that touched the lives of all who knew him. His family and friends will deeply miss the warmth and laughter he brought into their lives. Joe Barbella's memory will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 10:30 to 11:30 AM at Annunciation BVM Church, 401 Brookline Blvd., Havertown, PA, followed by his Funeral Mass, 11:30 AM.  Interment SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.