Celebration Of Life To Be Held For Norwalk Board Of Ed Member

NORWALK, CT — A celebration of life honoring Mike Barbis, a longtime member of the Norwalk Board of Education who died unexpectedly last month, is scheduled to take place Sunday.

Norwalk Public Schools said on Facebook the service will take place on the field at Brien McMahon High School at 6:30 p.m., during which those who worked with Barbis on the Board of Education will share their memories of him.

The school's Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps will present the colors during the service, followed by a vocal performance of the national anthem. Music will also be provided by both the Brien McMahon and Norwalk High School wind ensembles.

"All will be invited to share their own memories of Mike," the post reads, "as we assemble on the 50-yard line for the dedication of [a] buddy bench in his honor."

Barbis' death was announced by Norwalk Public Schools in a Facebook post on Sept. 22. In a statement released that day, Mayor Harry Rilling noted Barbis' commitment to the city's public schools and students.

"Mike dedicated a lot of his life to the city of Norwalk, the students of Norwalk, and did everything he could to try to make the public school system the best in the state," Rilling said in a statement. "We have made great strides during his time on the board."

See also: Longtime Norwalk Board Of Education Member Dies: District

Barbis became a Board of Education member in 2011. During his tenure, he served as chairman of the board from 2017-2019, as well as chair of the board's finance, facilities and negotiations and personnel committees.

He was also an active parent volunteer at Brien McMahon High School and a community volunteer in Rowayton, according to the district.

Barbis had served as a commissioner for the Sixth Taxing District since 2005 and was an active member of the Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department.

According to Rowayton Fire Marshal Ed Carlson, Barbis was a "very involved, active member" of the department for many years. At the time of his death, he was a social member of the Rowayton Hose Company, having previously served as treasurer and a lieutenant of the company.