Barbara Anne LaRosa
Barbara Anne LaRosa, nee Barni, of Bristol Borough, passed peacefully at home surrounded by her children and grandchildren on Tuesday, May 6, 2020. She was 88 years young. Barbara was born November 28, 1931 in Philadelphia, living in Port Richmond as a child where her parents, Theodore and Emily (Kunsaitis) Barni, had two successful restaurants and a bar on Allegheny Avenue. Barbara worked alongside her loving parents as they travelled to the various markets to sell goods. She shared memories of those days selling fresh roasted peanuts. Her parents purchased 17 acres of land at Laurel Bend which they referred to as the “Farm." Their land stretched to the old Pitzonka Pansy Farm before the turnpike cut through. The Barni family eventually moved to their Bristol Township farm when Barbara was 16 years old. Many locals remember purchasing vegetables, fruit, and eggs at the Barni Farm on Bath Rd. Being an only child, Barbara embraced family and friends, and all who she came to meet along the way.
Barbara was a proud graduate of Bristol Borough High School Class of 1949. She always enjoyed her reunions including her 70th last October. Barbara often recalled her time of work at the Delaware Valley Bank on Radcliffe Street. Knowing many of the shop owners on Mill Street, Barbara known for her sharp dressing, modeled as well for Popkin’s Dress Store. Her Mill Street fondness continued as she worked for local optometrists, Dr. Nurock and Dr. Burg. Barbara loved to be involved in the community as a member of the Bristol Senior Citizens playing bingo and taking trips, volunteering yearly for the annual Bristol Dayshowing Margaret’s room at the Grundy Museum, enjoying dancing and picnics at the local V.F.W Terchon, Moose Lodge, and Italian clubs. An excellent cook her family especially loved her Italian dishes and roast beef dinners. She was a longtime member of St. Ann and St. Mark Churches.
Barbara was the wife of her late beloved husband Samuel. She is survived by her children Robert (Irene), Cherie, Samuel (Janine). She was the loving and fun grandmother/Meme, of Jennifer (Rich), Rory (Lauren), Christine (Matt), Sam, Jack, Nicholas, and Mary Lee, and great-grandmother to Kaylee, Isabelle, Joseph, and Cecilia. She was predeceased by her brother in-law and sister in-law Kelly and Viola Snyder.She is survived by her dear in-laws Carl and Veronica LaRosa, Dolores Bilinski, John “Nunzie” Sospetti, cousins, along with many LaRosa nieces and nephews, and godchildren.Sharing a special relationship, Barbara was also a loving Meme to the Corrigan, Johnson, and McGrath families. She is survived by many dear friends.
Due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic, a Memorial Mass and Visitation at St. Mark Church will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wade Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations are appreciated to Michael Kelly (Favoroso) Fund 1235 Pond Street Bristol, PA 19007 or Jean May Shapcott Memorial Scholarship Fund, 6927 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007.