Barbara R. (Verrone) Labarko

Barbara R. (Verrone) Labarko, 78, of Johnstown, went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2026 at 12:49 a.m. Born June 30, 1948 in Johnstown, daughter of Samuel & Helen (Knaze) Verrone.

Proceeded in death by her parents, husband Jack and brother Philip Verrone. Survived by her loving children Jack (Zoe Tang-Labarko), Aaron Elvis, Derek (Tara & Landon), Barbara Ann "Barbie"and Brent. Beloved Life Partner of 32 years, Joe Smith "Smitty"; special lifelong friend & neighbor, Irene Varnish, and sister Maryanne Dootson of Texas, numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Barbara was a 1966 graduate of Greater Johnstown High School and a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish (formerly St. Anthony's in Woodvale). Barbara was a precious gift from God. She was known for being selfless, often putting others before herself. She was a very loving & devoted mother who raised her 5 children on her own, after her late husband Jack, passed away in 1993 of lung cancer. Barbara was known for her amazing cookies & ethnic cooking, often helping out at her local church spaghetti dinners & bake sales, often volunteering at her children's school (Central Catholic Elementary.) She was an exceptional homemaker during her younger days.

Barbara had a fond love of cats, having numerous throughout her life. She enjoyed laying in the sun while listening to her oldies, poolside. Barbara had a love & passion for dancing and was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, often watching his movies, and taking annual trips to Graceland with her children & Smitty. Barbara & Jack founded "The Jack and Barbara Labarko's Oldies Show" in 1979, now known as "DJ Jack Labarko;" while Jack was laid off from Bethlehem Steel, after the 1977 flood. They could be found at many local night spots, & dances, especially Thee Jolly Fiddler Tavern, every weekend spinning their favorite oldies, entertaining, and teaching the moves. Their favorite event was St. Anthony's Annual Summer Festival. Barbara was the inspiration behind incorporating the Elvis routine into the family Disc Jockey business. She had a profound love for the holidays, especially Christmas, often decorating the home extravagantly.

In 2005, Barbara was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.  She put up a valiant fight, but as the disease progressed, Barbara's condition gradually worsened, requiring around the clock care provided by her 5 children, Smitty & Irene, with major sacrifices and commitment by Brent and Derek, often not leaving her side. In recent years the family kept Barbara in the comfort of her own home and created all the same traditions during the holidays and gave Barbara the opportunity to sit out and enjoy her oldies, go shopping, get her hair & nails done, and visit with family & friends to make her feel as normal as possible, despite the circumstances.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you for the overwhelming level of support & outpouring of love demonstrated from the many that loved Barbara during this difficult time, and a special thank you to Diane Kacian for always doing Barb's hair. The family would like to also extend a thank you to Dr. Travis Rearick, of Inclined Health, for the exceptional care that he provided to Barbara.

Family and friends will be received from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at Frank Duca Funeral Home, 1622 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown, PA 15905.

Funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The Very Rev. Matthew Baum will preside over the mass at St. Clare of Assisi, 110 Maple Ave, Johnstown, PA 15901.

Interment, St. Anthony's Cemetery, Geistown.

At the request of the family please send flowers.

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