Barbara A Sorbera

Beloved mother and wife, Barbara Ann Sorbera, 82, of Great Kills, Staten Island, passed away of pneumonia-related illness on January 22, 2022, surrounded by her devoted children and family.

Born on March 10, 1939, in Queens, New York, Barbara was the first child of Frederick and Dorothy Burgess. She grew up with her siblings Rosemary and Henry in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and later reconnected with her older stepsister Dorothy.

Barbara was known as a bright student who loved reading and writing but decided to leave school to help support her family. One of her first jobs was at a Paper Box factory in Williamsburg.

In 1958 Barbara met Vincent Sorbera, and they married the following year. They started a family and had five children, Mary, Vincent, Peter, Dorothy, and Freddy, raised over their 35-year union.

Barbara was inseparable from her sister Rosemary who followed her in the 1970s to Staten Island. Together they raised the two families as one, celebrating countless holidays and every milestone.

The sisters celebrated their Irish and English heritage with feasts of corn beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. The Sorbera household always had an open-door policy for extended family, friends, or anyone who wanted a delicious Italian fish dinner on Christmas Eve. On those nights, Barbara would always manage to cook and simultaneously make sure every surprise guest in the room had a gift to open.

Following her mother's footsteps, Barbara was a devout catholic who found solace in her faith and prayer. She loved reading Danielle Steele novels, playing video games, slot machines, and Elvis's music, but most of all, she enjoyed doing what she could for her family.

Over the years, Barbara and Rosemary's relationship formed the foundation for a sprawling extended family that grows today as a network of aunts, uncles, first and second cousins that carry on the family traditions and keep the celebrations going.

Barbara is survived by her five children and their spouses; Mary, Vincent Jr., Vicky, Peter, Nina, Dorothy, Anthony, and Freddy. Her sister Rosemary and grandchildren; Michelle, Nicole, Jessica, Brandon, Anthony, Christian, Michael, Nina, Peter, Gianna, and great-grandchildren Michael, Amanda, Calvin, Adylina, Audrina and predeceased by her grandson Vincent III.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude or a charity close to your heart.