Michael Anthony Barbiasz

Michael Anthony Barbiasz passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024,at his home. Michael was born on February 14, 1957, in Cleveland, TN, the oldest of three boys born to Mathew and
Alice (Ogle) Barbiasz. The family moved to Flushing, NY in 1961, where he would live until finally settling in Ware, MA in 1969. Michael excelled in school, both academically and in sports, becoming one of the top high school football players in Western Massachusetts. He graduated from Ware High School in 1975 and subsequently attended prep school at Massanutten Military Academy in Virginia. Upon graduation from prep school, Michael would attend the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA on a full football scholarship where he played in the I-AA National Championship game before graduating in 1981. After graduation, work as a salesman took Michael to many cities including Raleigh, NC, and Memphis, TN, but most significantly, to Southern California and San Diego. It was there that Michael was introduced to the love of his life, Susan Riley, on a blind date through a mutual friend, and they married on February 16, 1985, keeping their vows and their devotion to each other until the end of his days. They would go on to have two sons, Mathew and Zachary. In 1987, he and his family would return to Ware, MA permanently. Ever the curious mind, he continued to engage in career as a salesman as well as that of a homebuilder primarily in the Williston Dr. area of Ware. After completing the buildout of Williston Dr. Michael returned to his role as a salesman in big agriculture where he cultivated close relationships with many of the largest fruit and produce growers in the US and abroad. His appreciation for farmers and their values of faith, family, and hard work mirrored those of his own. Michael’s impact to the Ware community, particularly that of youth sports, was among his proudest achievements. Anyone that played football, basketball, baseball, or soccer from the early 90’s through the 2000’s was likely touched by his involvement directly or indirectly. Behind the scenes, he mentored countless young men and women, both on and off the field, where his loving support help guide many of them to become college athletes, coaches, hard-working professionals, and parents themselves. .Whether for work or family outings, Michael was a constant traveler and proud to say he visited all 50 states, often accompanied by family and friends, whom he generously hosted. In the
summer you were all but guaranteed to find him in Pawleys Island, SC, and in the fall at his hunting camp in Pittsburg, NH which he shared with his closest friends. Michael fought his battle against cancer for almost two long years. Despite spending much of that time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his perpetual optimism and incredible zest for life. Throughout his battle he cracked jokes with family and friends, made silly videos with his grandchildren, and even pulled some light-hearted pranks on the nurses. He had an innate ability to make others smile and feel loved no matter what challenges they were facing. He leaves a legacy writ large across the landscape of his New England home, and the hearts of the family and friends he leaves behind. He truly did live a Wonderful Life. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Susan, two sons, Zachary of Ware, and Mathew and his wife Olivia of Newport Beach, CA, as well as grandchildren Grace and Henry. He also leaves behind his two brothers, Chris and companion Sally of Temple, NH, and Tim and wife Wendy of Ware, in addition to countless nieces and nephews whom he loved as children of his own.  Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4 - 7 PM in the Cebula Funeral Home Chapel, 66 South St., Ware.  A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 11 AM in St. Mary's Church, 57 South St., Ware.  Everyone will meet directly in the church Saturday morning.  Burial will follow the funeral mass in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ware.  Funeral Services are under the direction of the Koziol Family of Cebula Funeral Home.  For more information and an online guest book, please visit:  www.cebulafuneralhome.com.  In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial donations to:  Care Central Hospice. 534 School Street, Webster, MA 01570 ,

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