Mario Dominic Barbera Sr.

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Mario Dominic Barbera Sr., 65, of Hurley, passed away at the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024.

Mario was born on Feb. 25, 1959, to Frank and Rita (Alessandroni) Barbera at the Grandview Hospital in Ironwood. Mario was united in marriage with Karen Edens on Sept. 10, 1976.

Mario enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977 and traveled all over the world on the USS Nimitz as a chef. He continued his career as a chef in comedy clubs in Virginia and then made his way back home to Michigan to be with his family and ultimately carry on the family business, Joe's Pasty Shop, with his wife, Karen. Upon retirement, he was proud to pass the business down to his youngest daughter, Heather.

He loved playing in league bowling with his friends and golfing with his dad. His real passion was in the kitchen. He loved hosting large family gatherings and cooking family favorites, especially during Christmas.

Mario will be missed by his wife, Karen; two daughters, Jessica (Larry) Lapachin of Ironwood Township, and Heather (Jack) Ribich of Ironwood; brother, Frankie Barbera of Hobart, Indiana; sister, Angela (Jim) Mahan of Apache Junction, Arizona; three grandchildren, Jaxon, Nevaeh and Quinton; and his faithful dog, Abby. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Mario Barbera Jr.

A graveside service for Mario will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Brian Gerber officiating at the Riverside cemetery service with a celebration of life gathering to follow.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Mario's legacy of life. To make an online condolence visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.