Barbara Ann Narducci Fontecchio

Barbara Ann Narducci Fontecchio

Barbara Ann (Narducci) Fontecchio, 88, of Erie, passed away Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Saint Mary's Asbury Ridge. She was born July 31, 1933 in Erie, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Mazza) Narducci. Barbara was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School's Class of 1952.

In her youth, Barbara was a gymnast. She learned at her uncles' knees, all of whom she idolized. As a mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she loved watching her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews compete in various athletic events. She was a most ardent fan for them all. She enjoyed playing cards and was a competitive bocce player at the Nuova Arora club. A lifelong fan of the NFL, her support for Tom Brady was steadfast, much to the dismay of her children. But Barbara never wavered. Her loyalty was earned and never exhausted.

Barbara excelled in many arenas. An avid reader, she made quick work of all but the most challenging crossword puzzles. If she was not on your Trivial Pursuit team, you were playing for second. She sang along from memory to Italian operas, Frank Sinatra, and Broadway musicals, but never with more feeling than when she was singing alongside her father playing his mandolin.

Barbara and her husband Joseph enjoyed hosting gatherings of family, friends, and friends of friends at their home on the weekends. Drop-ins were always welcome and the coffee was always on. She relished warm conversation or a hot debate, and if you gave as good as you got, you might earn yourself the twinkle in her eye and a wry smile.

She was a member of the Montenero Ladies Society and the Italian American Women's Association, and a lifelong member of Our Lady of Peace Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Fontecchio. She is survived by her four daughters, Stephanie Lindenberger (David), Julie Wegelin, Barbara Ringle (William), and Mary Schmitt (Brian); three sons, Joseph Fontecchio, Thomas Fontecchio (Rosemeiry Gaya Lima), and John Fontecchio (Alessandra); sister, Anita Salvia (Joseph); brother, Archie Narducci; and 18 grandchildren. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Monday at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38th Street, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to UPMC Home Healthcare and Family Hospice, 1700 Peach St, #244, Erie, PA 16501.

Barbara's family would like to thank UPMC Home Healthcare and Family Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Barbara and her family.