Obituary: John LaBarca, 75; Formerly Of Stratford, Local Radio Legend

STRATFORD, CT — (From Adzima Funeral Home): John LaBarca, 75, formerly of Stratford, beloved father and local radio legend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2023, at Village Green in Bristol, CT after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family throughout his illness.

John was a jovial, hardworking, and charismatic person who took on countless passions throughout his lifetime.

As a daily morning radio host on local stations in Long Island and CT, and as creator and host of John LaBarca’s Italian House Party, he brought joy and fond memories of heritage to generations of families for over 50 years.

He worked tirelessly for Vets, Swim across the Sound, Italian organizations and any group that asked for his support. He was Santa at Christmas for the individuals at Southbury Training School for many years and always spread Christmas cheer to all those around him. He brought numerous concerts and festivals to the state in honor of his Italian heritage and spread the love of heritage to all his listeners. His generous contributions to the community are endless.

John was a Purple Heart Veteran of the Vietnam War and showed his appreciation of his country with great pride throughout his life.

John was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 14, 1947. He is pre-deceased by his father: Anthony (Tony) LaBarca and mother: Marie (Mamie) Curreri LaBarca of Brooklyn, his brother Peter of Haverstraw, NY; Anthony of Howard Beach, NY; and Frank of Wantagh, LI. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth LaBarca (Nick Sharoh) of Stratford; Jack LaBarca (Alexandra LaBarca) of Southbury; his granddaughter Vita LaBarca of Southbury; the mother of his children Jennie LaBarca of Southbury; sister-in-law Ida LaBarca of Long Island, NY; Nieces Lisa LaBarca Cohn (Ira Cohn) of LI, NY; Carolyn LeClair of Virginia; and Kristina Sunseri of Garnerville, NY.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, June 4 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, CT. All other services are private.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make a donation in memory of John to the Wounded Warriors Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Adzima Funeral Home here.