Memorial Service Planned For Norwalk Board Of Education Member

NORWALK, CT — A memorial service for Mike Barbis, a longtime member of the Norwalk Board of Education and Rowayton Sixth Taxing District commissioner who died unexpectedly this month, is planned to take place this weekend.

In an email Tuesday night, Barbis' fellow Sixth Taxing District commissioners Tammy Langalis and John Igneri said the service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Bayley Beach in Rowayton.

"Wear your flip flops and preppy attire," the email reads. "Bring a cooler and your favorite appetizer or dessert to share at the reception following the service."

Langalis and Igneri noted a big crowd is expected at the service, so those attending are advised to give themselves ample time to arrive. Parking in the lot is also limited, so carpooling, biking or parking at Rowayton Elementary School and walking are recommended.

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.

For many years, Barbis served as co-chairman of the department's annual toy drive, which collected toys from Rowayton residents to donate to the Carver Foundation. He would also attend open houses during Fire Prevention Week to assist with answering residents' questions about fire safety, Carlson said.

Barbis was the Rowayton representative on the city's Emergency Planning Committee and would keep members informed of impending hurricanes or tropical storms.

"Mike was a valued member of the department," Carlson said in a statement, "and he will be greatly missed by the membership."

According to Langalis, Barbis was serving his third sixth year term as a commissioner at the time of his death and was dedicated to Rowayton and its residents. He initiated many improvement projects in the taxing district, the largest of which was renovating the Rowayton Community Center.

"Mike was a tireless worker who did his homework before any meeting. He was a good friend to young and old and loved the history of Rowayton," Langalis said. "We are so saddened by his sudden passing and wish to express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and community. He will be greatly missed."