MatThew Barba, 1967 – 2016
Matthew Joseph Barba was born in Holyoke, MA on January 4, 1967, he was the son of Joseph and Agnes Carrozzella Barba of Cheshire. Matt graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1986. He enjoyed sports particularly golf, lacrosse and hockey. After high school he went on to serve in the United States Army in Germany. He attended Johnson & Wales University and was an accomplished chef for many years. He later worked as a nutrition manager at AIDS Project New Haven and was currently a case manager at Turnbridge of Hamden. He had an infectious smile, a great personality and was an inspiration to others and he was a loving, devoted father to his son. On December 16, 2016 Matt passed away after battling the disease of addiction. Despite the demons he faced and his deep struggle with addiction, Matthew carried with him a constant source of light - his honest and loyal nature transcended all else. He will always be remembered as a tireless advocate for those struggling with addiction and sadly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
“Not - How did he die? But - How did he live? Not - What did he gain? But - What did he give? These are the things that measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth. Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart? And - How did he play his God-given part? Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer? To bring back a smile, to banish a tear? Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed? But - Had he befriended those really in need? Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say? But - How many were sorry when he passed away? These are the things that measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of birth.”