Peter J. 'Red' Barbera

Peter J. "Red" Barbera, 86, formerly of Wakefield, Mich., and a retired prominent longtime Wakefield businessman, passed away Wednesday morning, May 11, 2011, in Hurley.
He was born on Jan. 31, 1925, in Campobello, Italy, the son of Philip and Antonia (Messina) Barbera, and came to the United States and to this area when he was six months old. He graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley in 1943.
On Sept. 27, 1947, Red was united in marriage with Mary M. Petroff. She preceded him in death on Jan. 14, 1993.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield.
Red enjoyed fishing and hunting. One of his passions was golf. He was a life member of the Elks. Red was also a professional guitar player and entertained many people throughout the area.
He and his wife, Mary owned and operated Red's Pasty Shop in Wakefield for 42 years, and they retired in 1989.
Red is survived by a son, Peter Jr. (Diana), Alpharetta, Ga.; a daughter, Jayne (Guy) Myers, Clarkston, Mich.; four grandchildren, Peter Michael (Kassi) Barbera, Sherry (John) Sweatt, Kelly Myers and Brian Myers; two great-grandchildren, Brianna and Emily Sweatt; a brother, Frank, Ironwood, Mich.; three sisters-in-law, Melba Barbera, Ironwood, Rose Jurakovich, Ramsay, Mich., and Sophie (Ben) Drier, Wakefield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John and Joseph; his sister-in-law, Rita Barbera; and his brother-in-law, Matthew Jurakovich.
A private family service and burial will be held.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may contribute to Domestic Violence Escape (DOVE) Inc., P.O. Box 366, Ironwood MI 49938-0366.
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements where memories may be shared at lakesidememorialchapel.com.