Michael (Mike) H. Barbera of Plano, Texas, died at his home on June 28, 2013, after a battle with lung cancer. Mike was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and had just celebrated his 70th birthday days before the time of his death. Mike was the son of Harold J. Barbera (LTC USA-Retired) and Mary Fina Barbera both of Gurnee, Illinois. Both preceded Mike in death. Mike is survived by his loving wife Pamela, son Nathan, daughter-in-law Alisha Penland Barbera and grandson Palmer all of Plano, Texas as well as his sister Jeanne Binder of Waukesha, Wisconsin and her husband Tom and brother William (Bill) of Lindenhurst, Illinois and his wife Cheryl.
Mike graduated from Baker High School in Columbus, Georgia, and attended both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin – Madison and graduated with a BSEE degree. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. He served with the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command in Korea as well as the 50th Signal Battalion of the 18th Airborne Corps at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Upon leaving the service, he became employed by Collins Radio Co. of Richardson, Texas as a microwave systems engineer. Collins Radio morphed into Rockwell International which further morphed into Alcatel. Mike served as a telecommunications system engineer, senior project engineer, program manager, engineering group leader, engineering department director, product manager and Sr. Director of Microwave Product Management. Mike enjoyed a 33-year career with Collins/Rockwell/Alcatel.
Mike loved his Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He loved to chill out by the pool while listening to the blues and Willie Nelson. His love for the blues took him and his son, Nathan, his brother Bill, and his nephews and nieces to Chicago each year to see Buddy Guy live at Legends. One of Mike's passions was photography and he even made a bedroom into a darkroom. (He really hated it when everything went digital!) Mike also loved to take cruises. He & Pam went everywhere from Norway to St. Petersburg, Russia. Since he worked for only one company his whole life, which is a rarity, he made many valued friends at the office. After his retirement, Mike enjoyed his quarterly "Beer Call Tuesday" with his former co-workers to lift a mug or two. In his more active years, Mike played tennis but became content to watch it on television later in life.
Above all, Mike loved his family with a passion. He and Pam were married for 43 years. They often celebrated the 4th of July with their friends at a pool party in the backyard for a number of years. As his son Nathan became an adult, the two of them became very close. Nathan learned so much from his dad and they did a lot of things together. His grandson, Palmer, was the light of his life. Mike faithfully attended his Blastball (beginner T-Ball) games every weekend. You haven't lived until you have seen a 4 year old play ball! A man who loved life, he will be missed by all. Well done, good and faithful servant.
A service celebrating his life will be held at Saint Michael And All Angels Episcopal Church, 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas on July 9th at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society at PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 (www.donate.cancer.org) or the Music Ministry of Saint Michael And All Angels.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
September 10, 2013
Rebecca Horn
My husband, Wayne Bartlett, just let me know about your husband passing. I am so sorry I missed this notice. Just wanted to send prayers your way. My first husband, Robert (Bob) Horn who passed away in 2008 from cancer, worked at Rockwell/Alcatel during the same time yours did! Bob was in many departments, the last being communications/tech writing. He was layed off in 2001 just before 9/11. I wonder if they knew each other? Prayers for you. Rebecca Horn
August 2, 2013
Pam; Sorry about the lateness of this entry, but we were out of town for most of July. How well we recall Friday night tennis mixers so many years ago, followed by the sweaty group trecking up to the clubhouse to eat, drink, and dance. Dancing was tough in tennis shoes, but we managed. We think of the days when Nathan baby sat, and, much more recently, tried to break down my pro-plaintiff testimony in court. We remember the two of you full of fun and life, and were deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing.
July 9, 2013
Mike Mead
Mike was one of a few individuals at Rockwell-Collins that helped me during the early years of my career. I have nothing but pleasant memories of Mike.
July 8, 2013
Joy & Tim Shideler
Pam - I was so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We all had such good times together playing tennis at Willow Bend on Friday nights. He will be greatly missed by all. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
July 8, 2013
Jayne Leighton
We have all lost a wonderful friend and mentor. The best part about Mike was when he smiled, he smiled with his heart! Pam, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and you. Know that Mike touched many lives and hearts and made us what we are today, for that we thank him and you!
July 6, 2013
John Williams
Mike was a dedicated employee and promoter of the Alcatel products and its people. He was a pleasure to work with, and was very highly respected by his peers. A sad loss.
July 6, 2013
Dennis Riddle
Pam, I was so deeply sadden to hear that Mike had lost his battle with lung cancer. Mike and I talked and discussed the battle and had high hopes of a remission. I know you and Nathan with miss him everyday and he will always be in our hearts and mind. If I can be any help to you in the days ahead please do not hesitate to contact me.
With a Sad Heart
Dennis Riddle
July 4, 2013
Taber Bearden
I worked with Mike on various projects at Rockwell and Alcatel and always had the highest respect for him.
Sometimes Mike didn't give the answer we wanted to hear from a sales view but he always gave the right, integrity answer.
Mike was one of the most passionate people I ever worked with. He worked hard and laughed often, a great combination!
Pam and the family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
July 4, 2013
Martha Tidwell
Pam and Nathan - so deeply saddened to learn of your loss. I have so many cherished and happy memories of our days at Willow Bend. Blessed peace to you all.
July 4, 2013
Claudia Shockey
Dearest Pam and family,
My deepest sympathy to all... May God grant you all peace. Heaven has a new angel and I know he'll watch over his family.... God bless....
July 3, 2013
Nancy Sale
Dearest "Charlie",
Sending all my love and prayers to you and family during this difficult time. Love, "Talbot"
July 3, 2013
Fran and John Blackington
Dear Pam and Family...our sympathy to you and your family. We remember Mike from our tennis gatherings at the Polo Club when we very first moved here. Those were some fun times. May your memories keep Mike in your hearts forever. Our prayers are with all of you.
July 3, 2013
Bill Atkinson
I met Mike in the late 1980s when he was a product manager in the microwave group and I was a microwave field engineer. At the time I was troubleshooting a problematic microwave route in Canada and Mike wanted to review the results of our analysis. It was obvious in our meeting that Mike had a passion for microwave.
In the early 1990s another colleague spoke with Mike on the phone and after their conversation he asked me if I knew Mike Barbera. This colleague, a junior optical network engineer, told me he got an ear-full while talking with Mike. I was surprised to hear that but it turned out this engineer was involved in a minor fender-bender in the parking lot and he had to call Mike to tell him that he just hit his car. That day I learned Mike could be fairly passionate about his car too.
By 1999 I reported directly to Mike and continued to report to him until his retirement. During that time I realized Mike was the nicest and most professional manager I've ever encountered. All of us had the upmost respect for Mike. He really did lead by example. His passion for microwave lives on in many of the folks he influenced through the years!
Mike we will miss you. You and your family are in our prayers.
July 2, 2013
Dear Pam and family,
Joe and I send our deepest sympathy to you all. Mike will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Sue and Joe Adams
July 2, 2013
Dear Pam,
I am so sad to read about your wonderful husband. I did not know Mike, but I bet he was just as spunky as you are. I am sure you kept the man laughing just like you have me, and many others on the tennis court. I know there will be a void in your life now, but at least Mike is not in pain anymore. My thoughts are with you and your family. Donna B.
July 2, 2013
Leigh-Ann Gilbert-Loveland
Pam- I love you dearly and I'm thinking of you during this difficult time. I loved Honey's laugh!
I still to this day and will forever think of Honey and the fun times we had ballooning. Love you Honey.
Leigh-Ann
July 2, 2013
Ginny Apple
Dearest Pam...I'm not surprised by the many joyous and boisterous memories of Mike. Though I only met him a few times, I know the depth and joy of your love for him. We cannot choose how we die but we can choose how we live and you and Mike, together, chose to fuel your lives with exuberance and panache. You will miss Mike's corporeal presence but you can be certain that somewhere nearby he'll be looking with gleaming eye and mirthful smile and goading you on to live joyfully the rest of your life until his hand reaches out from the heavens to bring you home to him.
With love and prayers, your Camp Fern sister and friend.
July 2, 2013
Michelle Ray
Pam, I didn't have the privilege to know your husband, but wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your son and his family. I am so very sorry for your loss! He sounds like an amazing man! Big hugs to you today and in the days to come. Love, Michelle Ray.
July 2, 2013
Pam-May God, your family and friends be a source of inner strength for you, as well as comfort. We are all by your side and thinking of you with deepest sympathy and heartfelt understanding. Just know that we all care.
John and I will never forget our friendship with you and Mike for more than 40+ years. Some of our most fun times were celebrating the 4th of July together and the New Year, eating and playing Tripoly till midnight!!! We shall never forget these fond memories. With love and comfort to the entire Barbera Family
Kay Reynolds (Plano, Tx.)
July 2, 2013
My first memory of Mike was working with him on a project in Korea. He gave us a presentation on what he was doing.I was immediately impressed with how organized he was and how willing he was to impart what he knew. He continued to impress me in the 10 plus years that I had the privilege of working with him.
The last time I saw Mike was at the "pool place". We had a great talk and we got to exchange some old memories and catch up. As usual there was that ever present laugh and determined spirit. I will miss those opportunities to see him around town.
God bless to his family. I think that we can all take comfort that Mike is in Heaven doing some project that God knew only he could do.
Kind regards,
Scott Rice
July 2, 2013
Richard Carlson
Pam, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you and Mike enjoyed the Fredericksburg beer and we're sorry you and he didn't get to come down for a beer taste party in our beer gardens.
Mike and I argued some times, (sales vs. product line) but always laughed at the end of our discussions.
I learned a lot from Mike and will miss him. He was a great guy !
Mike, rest in peace
Richard
July 1, 2013
Dave Kimzey
I worked with Mike in the Microwave Radio Division of Rockwell International and Alcatel. I always admired his ethics, determination and capabilities. During some of those times, our offices were located near each other and it was always fun to hear his boisterous laugh. He laughed often which is a great trait. He was one of the only guys I knew that could make a presentation to a reasonably large audience and not need a microphone. He was just fun, albeit we did skirmish a time or two but with great respect and certainly no hard feelings.
He was an inspiration to me during those days at work. However I was much more impressed with how he handled his battle with cancer. I was in awe as to how he could maintain a great attitude, laugh and get every ounce of fun out of life. We went to lunch a few times when I knew he probably didn't feel up to it, but he did. I hope that I can handle the problems I will encounter as well as he did.
I hope the great memories will comfort Pam, Nathan and the rest of the family. I know you must be proud, as you should be. Our prayers are for you.
I will remember Mike's laugh and great attitude.
July 1, 2013
George Kizer
July 1, 2013
Bob McGuire
I was in Product Development with Collins/Rockwell/Alcatel and interfaced with Mike on many occasions related to MAS-7 & DMX products. He was my go to guy when dealing with many system issues. My wife & I often recall a trip I took with Mike & Yoram Korn to Milan Italy. Carolyn had joined me in Milan and the four of us were walking to a restaurant one evening when a young girl carrying a baby bumped into Mike and lifted a $100 bill from his camera bag. Someone witnessed the incident and summoned a policeman. There was a lot of chatter involving Mike, the policeman, and the girl, before Mike finally got his $100 back. His reaction to all this was priceless. What a fun guy to be around!
July 1, 2013
Jerry Brown
I never worked for Mike but I worked with him on many projects and he was always a fair but thorough individual. There were times when I had to redo a product presentation that I cast a few doubts about his intelligence but that was never the truth. Mike was a very intelligent man and a very hard co-worker. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He had been in my prayers for quite some time. My prayers will continue for his family. R.I.P Mike.
July 1, 2013
Lee Jackson
Mike was a very bright and funny guy and I am glad I had the chance to know him. I am very sorry for your loss and hope the Angels stay with you and Mike.
July 1, 2013
Pam, my thoughts and prayers are certainly with you at this time and will continue into the weeks and months that follow. I know this is a difficult time for you and your precious family, and may you all find peace in the beautiful memories. Love, Phyllis Kelley
July 1, 2013
George Kizer
I first worked with Mike in 1980 on the Typhoon project at Collins Microwave Radio Division of Rockwell International. He was a cigar chomping, red headed task master who lead by example. I worked for him several times after that project and, while his hair turned gray, he always maintained his high standards for himself and those around him. I really liked that guy.
Socially Mike and I played tennis, went to Blues concerts, discussed the finer points of home audio and photography and drank beer on numerous occasions. The last few years, Mike added his grandson to his span of attention. Palmer gave him immense pleasure. Mike was engaged in all aspects of life; whatever he touched, he left an impression for the better.
Mike, I am sad you are gone. You made a big, positive impact on my life as you did to countless others. We will all miss you very much.
George Kizer
July 1, 2013
Eileen Horany
Pam, we were so sorry to hear of Mike's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Eileen and Ernest
June 30, 2013
Pam, Pete and I send our love and condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers. Barbara Barndt
June 30, 2013
Having serving the Barbera family as their hair stylist for many years, Mike will be sorely missed. My thoughts of the family are often and I pray earnestly for the family during this time of need. I love ya'll. Linda Bys.
June 30, 2013
Pam, I am so sorry that you and your family had to experience the grim part of Mike's death. I will remember him as a happy, vital person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mary Davis
June 30, 2013
Trudy Coan
Pam and Nathan, Frank and I are praying for you and your family at this most difficult time. We have many fun memories of long ago at SOB night at the Polo Club and the Kappa functions with our husbands dressing as dancing Kappas during Rush! Many chuckles, as always with you two. Our prayers have been with you and will continue. Much love, Trudy
June 29, 2013
Mary Jo Forbes
Pam, Nathan and Alisha,
The battle is over, Mike is at peace now. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Jo and Bart
June 29, 2013
Virginia and Stan Humphries
Our prayers have been with Mike and Pam and Nathan and his famy throughout this journey. Mike, you will be sorely missed. God be with you on this new journey in your heavenly home. May you rest in peace and know joy being confident that so many loved you and won't forget you and the fun we've shared with you all these years.
June 29, 2013
My deepest sympathy.May his memory be a source of strength.
Susan Melanie Levy
June 29, 2013
Pam, I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Doris Sparks
June 29, 2013
sally ochoa
How sad to hear about Mike, he'll sure be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Nathan during this time of sorrow.
Sally and Raul
June 29, 2013
Pammie, so very sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. Please know that
you and Nathan are in my prayers.
Veda Catalano
June 29, 2013
Our deepest condolences and prayers for you all. The Mark Elliott Family.
June 29, 2013
Kevin Fultz
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time.
The Fultz Family (Brentwood, TN)
June 28, 2013
Tammy Farris
Pam
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
June 28, 2013
Mary Nell Jackson
Pam I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Mary Nell Jackson
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