Michael E. Barber

Michael Eric Barber Michael Eric Barber, of Buffalo, NY passed in his sleep on November 28, 2023, one day shy of his 61st birthday. Michael was born in Cuba, NY, on November 29, 1962, and spent most of his life in the Allegany County area of Western NY. The son of Odis Lee Barber Sr and Eunice Julia Barber. He was raised in Friendship NY. As a youth, he was a star athlete in baseball, soccer, and basketball in winning multiple awards. After graduating Friendship Central High School, in Friendship, NY in 1981 he pursued a career in the armed forces, serving in the Special Forces Division of the US Army. Private First Class (PFC) Barber will have a full military salute as a part of his homegoing services. He was a lifelong member of the Friendship Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Friendship, NY. He is survived by his wife Tashara (Pierce) Barber and stepchildren Tashyah Pierce, ZyAirah Thomas, Naszier Winston, and step grandchild KheLani Pierce (all of Buffalo, NY). His daughter Jessica Ganoung Barber and grandchildren Katerra Hayes, Amir Ganoung, Jaaliyah Jackson (granddaughter deceased), Khai Ames, Kamrin Ames, Nalah Ganoung (all of Norfolk, VA). Parents Odis Lee Barber Sr (deceased) and Eunice Julia Barber (deceased); siblings Odis Lee (Carol) Barber, Jr. (deceased), Nadine Barber (Friendship, NY), Elizabeth (Brian) Barber Cowburn (Ulysses, PA), Mark Barber (Olean, NY), Felicia Barber (New Haven, CT), Raymond and (Bethany) Barber (Flushing, MI), and Christopher Barber (Olean, NY); Rev. Russell (Lorrain) Groves (deceased, Baltimore, MD), Naomi (Oscar) Solomon (deceased, Friendship, NY), Rev. Luci (Emmanuel) La Venture (Friendship, NY), Joseph (Sandy) Groves (Friendship, NY), as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law Rosa (Shon) Rivera and Clifford Warren; and several brother and sister in laws: Jon (Nikia) Warren, Monica Bobbitt, Cherelle Warren, Justin Warren, and DaQuan Warren (all of Buffalo, NY). The service will be held at Lombardos Funeral Home, 3060 Abbott Road, in Orchard Park, NY on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 1:00pm; preceded by the viewing from 11:00am 1:00pm. The service will be officiated by Supt. Gerald Slack, of Sacred Temple Church of God in Christ in Olean, NY. A repass will follow at St. Anthony R.C. Church, 306 Ingham Avenue, Lackawanna, NY 14218. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Church of God in Christ or Mission AGAPE Food Pantry, at PO Box 35, 77 West Main Street, Friendship, NY 14739.