Dr. John E. Barb Jr.'s Obituary
Dr. John E. Barb Jr., a beloved husband, dedicated physician, and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, under the care of New Life Hospice. He was 81 years old.
Born June 25, 1943, in Youngstown, Ohio, John was the son of the late John E. and Ursuline A. (née Zimbardi) Barb. He graduated from Boardman High School in 1961 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Reserve University in 1965. He pursued his lifelong passion for medicine at the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery, earning his medical degree in 1970.
Dr. Barb devoted 48 years to the practice of medicine, touching countless lives through his work. He served most recently with Superior Medical Care from 2007 to 2013, and then with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 2014 until his retirement in 2020 His compassion, integrity, and expertise earned him great respect among peers and patients alike. In 2017, he was honored as “Best Physician” by The Lorain Journal, a testament to his impact and dedication.
Throughout his life, John was deeply involved in his professional and local communities. He was a member of the Amherst Noonday Club, Elyria Country Club, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Ohio Osteopathic Association (OOA), and the Council of Academic Osteopathic Medicine (CAOM). He also served as a past trustee of the Amherst United Church of Christ, President of the Amherst Medical Staff, and President of the Lorain Academy of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, he served ten years on the Executive Committee of Lorain County.
John’s life extended well beyond his career. He found joy in golfing, gardening, and treasured family trips to Myrtle Beach with his grandchildren. His sense of humor, wisdom, and quiet generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Patricia Elaine (née Marshall) Barb; sons, John Barb III, Jason (Michelle) Barb, Joshua (Michelle) Barb, and Jacob (Erica) Barb; daughter, Jodi (Scott) Magers; grandchildren, Massimo, Isabella, and Giovanni Barb, Dean, Alexis, Deleon, Jessica, and Joshua Barb, Cecelia, Carolyn, and Charlie Magers, and Mila and Leo Barb; and his sister, Bonnie Sabula of Houston. His legacy of care, service, and love lives on in the many lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John E, and Ursuline Barb Sr., and his brother, Ronnie Barb.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Private family funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9th. Interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Amherst. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
Contributions may be made in memory of John to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
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