Victor Emmanuel Barbella, 82, passed away Wednesday September 28, 2011 surrounded by his loving family at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Victor was born February 23, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY and excelled as an athlete throughout his life, most notably as a pitcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization. Victor had a passion for horse racing, boxing and baseball and was an avid New York Yankee fan.

Victor proudly served his country in the Korean War for the United States Army.

Victor lived the majority of his working years with his family in East Hartford, Connecticut where he worked as the General Manager for a statewide home food service corporation.

Victor is survived by the love of his life, wife Joan Barbella, his son and friend Steven Barbella and wife Elizabeth; daughter Deborah Barbella; daughter Victoria; brother Joe; sister Theresa; grandchild Andrew Misiek and great grandchildren Andrew and Adrienne.

Victor will always be remembered as our loving father, husband, brother, grandfather and most importantly as our best friend and role model. He has given all of us a lifetime of love and knowledge and will be sorely missed.

The world is a better place for having such a good man walk on this earth.

Per the wishes of Victor, as he was a strong but private man, there will be no service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds in Vero Beach. Online condolences may sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com