Obituary of Alexander Barbato

Alexander Barbato, 81, of State College, passed away after a brief illness. Al was born in Oyster Bay, New York. He was the son of Thomas and Anna Barbato. Al graduated from Hicksville High School and proceeded to join the United States Army. He proudly served his country as a tank mechanic stationed in Europe during the Korean War. He had many photos of his European adventures that he enjoyed sharing with his friends and family. On March 3, 1956 Al married his wife, Nina. They were married for 52 years and had three children together: Alexander III, who passed away at the age of 14; Steven, who resides in Greenville, NC; and Lori Barbato Turrisi, who resides in State College. Al had a strong work ethic. He owned a mobile catering business for 36 years. Although he started at 4am six days a week in all weather conditions, he always had a smile on his face and made sure his customers were happy. His children and grandchildren also have many fond memories of "going to work" and eating treats from the truck. Al enjoyed playing baseball and running track as a youth. As he got older, he liked to bowl and play golf. He was a longtime fan of the Giants, Knicks, and Yankees. As a child, Al had his photo taken with Joe DiMaggio and Lou Gehrig at a spring training game. These photos are in the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. Al also enjoyed spending time with friends and family and he most especially enjoyed playing cards including pinnacle, brisk, spades, rummy, skip-bo, and scoop. He was the best card player in the family and he knew many card tricks that still amazed his family after seeing them over and over again, year after year. Al is survived by one son, Steven Barbato. He is also survived by one daughter, Lori Barbato Turrisi, her husband Rob Turrisi and their two children, Taylor and Madi. Surviving in addition are grandchildren Erin and Josh Mathis, Alex Barbato, and their mother Janet Warner. Al's family wishes to thank Elmcroft of State College and the VA's Home Based Primary Care Program. We appreciate their outstanding kind and attentive care. We also want to thank Mount Nittany Medical Center's ICU and Palliative Care Team. We appreciate all they did to keep Al pain free and comfortable in his last days. A memorial service will held at the convenience of the family on Long Island. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.