Nicholas John Barbato

Nicholas “Nick” John Barbato was born in Phoenix, Arizona on June 24, 1922, and passed from this life on December 1, 2017, at the age of 95. His parents were George Cuccia Barbato and Claudia Concepta Parra Barbato. He had one sister, Toni Giorgina Barbato Wood, who was killed in an automobile accident, at age 26, leaving behind one young son, Larry Dale Wood.

Nick attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Phoenix through the 8th grade. He then attended Phoenix Union High School, graduating in June, 1940. He loved playing baseball and singing tenor, and he took business courses. Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1940. He was stationed at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma; Camp Berkley in Abilene; the Panama Canal Zone; Ft. Benning, Georgia; Camp Wheeler, Georgia; Ft. Washington, Maryland; Miami, Florida; three areas of North Africa, and Sicily, Italy. He fought in the Angio Campaign there, where an incoming artillery shell exploded; he was severely injured, and hospitalized in Naples. He was released from his commission, and retired as a 1st Lieutenant Infantry, U.S. Army, in Dec. 1944. He returned to the states, to Abilene, and worked as bookkeeper or parts manager for automotive or supply companies. He married Eva Elizabeth Jackson on October 20, 1958, at the Rising Star Church of Christ. Eventually the pain from the war injuries became so unbearable that he was admitted to the VA Hospital in Waco, where he stayed for over four years.

In June of 1970 Nick decided to further his education, and enrolled at Hardin Simmons, and got his BBA in Accounting in May, 1973. He then enrolled in Abilene Christian College, and completed 36 hours in Accounting. However, his mother became ill, and he left school to care for her until she died in 1982. Then Elizabeth became ill, and he cared for her in their home, with the help of caregivers, until her death in February 2000. In spite of many challenges, Nick enjoyed people, was quite generous, was an encourager and a mentor to many. He is known for his many cards and letters sent regularly to friends. Nick was an active member of the University Church of Christ in Abilene.

He is survived by a granddaughter, Debbie Richardson, and her children Whitney and Laramy of Hamby, TX; his 2nd cousin Henrietta Garcia and her husband Hiram, of Queens Village, NY; cousin Alice Montoya of Los Angeles, CA; cousin Delia Moreno Crosby, also of Los Angeles; and longtime caregiver Maria Perez.

A memorial service will be held at 2p.m. on Saturday, December 9, at the University Church of Christ, Chapel, 733 EN 16TH, Abilene. Visitation will be from 1-1:45p.m. in the Youth Center of the church.