Robert “Bob” Barber

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 11, 1937, to Kathleen and Robert Dayton Barber. He was the oldest of three children with two siblings, William Barber and Beverly Lords. He lived in Philadelphia, Boston, Texas, Montana, and Arizona before arriving in Utah to make it his home.

He attended Judge Memorial High School, graduating in 1955, and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in History. He was passionate about history, telling everyone who would listen to all the historical facts about Utah and the Civil War. He was a great athlete who played baseball for the University of Utah. One of his favorite ways to stay in shape was playing handball at the Town House Athletic Club, which he enjoyed with his closest friends. He also enjoyed track, football, basketball, and golf. He admittedly “didn’t like school much” and excelled at athletics. He was a devoted University of Utah Football fan and lover of the Opera.

After being set up on a blind date, he married Robinette Lee Barber, with whom he was married for 58 years. They loved traveling all over Europe and Hawaii from work trips he won during his sales career; their last trip in 2007 to Italy was his favorite. They had two daughters, Holly Chiodo and Nikki Barber, whom he adored and stayed close to all his life. He cherished family traditions like annual trips to Coronado, California, weekly dinners out for Mexican food, and regular pool days to swim. He has three grandchildren, Peter A. Chiodo, Savanah Lee, and Ciara Lee, of whom he is very proud.

He loved golf and played in his later years. He enjoyed ” hitting a bucket” and playing “sevens” every Saturday. He loved languages and travel, with his favorites being Spanish and Italian. One of his favorite trips was visiting the South of Italy to see the old ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Carrying on his mother’s philanthropic legacy and combining his love of history, he was an active community member. He proudly served as the president of the Kiwanis Club,  a member of the Utah Western Society, and served in the Board of Directors Reading Room for the Blind for 18 years. He was a member of the JCs, the Salt Shakers, served in the Army, and for his career pursued a professional career in sales.  A true salesman at heart, he worked for a local Utah Tire Company, Co-Owned The Green Street Social Club, and established his own business, Interstate Business Products. He also served his community as a devout Catholic and enjoyed his later years as an usher at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Bob was always ready to engage in conversation. He had many great friends, including those from childhood and many from the JC’s and the Kiwanis club. His approachability and warmth made him a beloved figure in our community.

In retirement, he enjoyed swimming, a glass of Malbec, and giving everyone who would listen to a daily report of his exercises, how he felt, and what football or baseball game he was looking forward to. Bob will be remembered for his sense of humor, positive outlook, friendships, and love of conversation.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Barber; his daughters, Holly K. Chiodo (Andrew) and Nikki L. Barber; his grandchildren; his sister, Beverly Lords; many nieces and nephews; and a strong circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, William “Bill” Barber, and his parents, Kathleen and Robert D. Barber.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Starks Funeral Home at 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, on October 10, 2024. Family and friends are invited from 6 to 8 p.m.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 11 at 1:30 PM at Mt Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Ave. & “T” Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Human Society in Bob’s name.

A special thanks to Aspen Ridge Rehab and Hospice for their exceptional care and guidance. They were beyond loving and supportive; we are very grateful as his family.