Obituary of Joseph Natale Barletta

Joseph Natale Barletta 1928 – 2011. Joseph Barletta of Brandon, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at the age of 83 years. Joseph was born on January 1, 1928 in Caraffe del Bianco, Italy, to his parents, Vincenzo Barletta and Aketa Alvaro. Raised in this small rural village, Joseph (Joe) was the eldest of their three sons; with two younger brothers, Carmello and Dominique. From an early age, Joe pursued a path that included a passion for education, and for a better life than was possible in his village. He completed his early education in Italy, before deciding like his brother Dominique before him, to leave Italy for Canada in 1954. Joe's early years in Canada were difficult, coming to a new land without knowledge of the language, and few resources, save a determination to make a better life for himself and his future family. Joe came to settle in London, Ontario, where he became a Canadian Citizen in 1960. He completed his studies in London, including Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in French and Latin, 1964, and Master of Arts in French, 1966, at the University of Western Ontario. He married Vivian Husband in London, in 1959. Joseph and Vivian had two children, Vonnie Barletta, born November 17, 1960 and Paul Barletta, born June 16, 1966. Joseph came to Brandon in 1969, to join the faculty at Brandon University, where he taught in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages until his retirement in 1989. While at Brandon University, he married Luba Davidsky in 1976. Together Joe and Luba had one son, Vincent Barletta, born June 20, 1978. Joseph was a popular professor with his students and was active in the life of the campus community throughout his career. Upon retirement, Joe continued to live a rich and fulfilling life. Joseph was a frequent traveller and spent many winters in Acapulco, Mexico, where he enjoyed the pleasures of sun and sea with family and friends. While his final years were troubled by an on-going battle with cancer, Joe continued to enjoy life with good spirit and vigour, until his final passing, surrounded by family and friends at Brandon Regional Health Centre on October 19, 2011. Joseph is survived by his loving children and their families: Vonnie and her partner Tony; Paul and his wife Charlene; and his son Vincent. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Greg, Sara, Kyle, Jeffrey and Brendan and great-grandson Darian. A memorial service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Monday, October 24, 2011 with Mr. Lawrence McInnes, Brockie Donovan Funeral Celebrant officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joseph may be sent to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation "Palliative Care", 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.