John Anthony Barbara

January 4, 1942 ~ April 27, 2025 83 Years Old

John Anthony Barbara, 83, of South Bend passed away on April 27, 2025, at West Bend Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. John was born on January 4, 1942, to the late Frank J. and Angeline (Palmero) Barbara. He married Mary Rose Nijak on December 26, 1970, and she survives.

John was a proud veteran that served in the United States Army. He attended the College of Commerce in South Bend. He was a business entrepreneur owning his family’s business, B & B Rubbish Removal, Inc., until it was sold in 1988. He continued to work in the waste removal field working for Superior Waste Management, Wood Recycling in Michigan and NOW Courier in South Bend.

John was a devout Catholic. He loved going to church where he attended Holy Family Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. He enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul in South Bend.

John is survived by his wife; Mary Rose, daughter; Ann Margaret Zimmerman, granddaughter; Francesca (Anselmo) Guzman; great grandchildren Nikolai Danny Mercer, Anastazia Dawn Marie Guzman and Krissy Marie Guzman, who was born the day prior to John’s passing, as well as his sister Rose Mary Barbara. He is also survived by his nieces and nephew Brenda, Jennifer, Karen, Kristine and Timothy.

John was preceded in death by his parents, great grandson; James Guzman and brothers; Frank J. Barbara Jr. and George Michael Barbara.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Homes, West Chapel, 2702 Lincolnway West, South Bend, IN 46628. Visitation will begin 2 hours prior to the service at 12 pm (Noon) Saturday. Burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery with military rites.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

4/29/2025 djb

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