Daily Voice
By Zak Failla From Daily Voice
The Hampstead community is mourning one of its own after the passing of Officer Anthony “Tony” Barbera, a Maryland native remembered for his dedication to others, his deep love for family, and the way he lived his life — all heart, all in.
Known to everyone as Tony, Barbera graduated from North Carroll High School, where he earned letters in football, lacrosse, and wrestling.
His obituary says he went on to become “a highly decorated Philadelphia Police Officer, dedicating over fifteen years to the 22nd and 1st Districts.”
Officer Tony Barbera
It notes that “Tony absolutely cherished his work helping others, and regularly went above and beyond the call of duty.”
Those who knew him best say that description couldn’t be truer.
Tony was “a Master Mason of Thomas R. Paton Lodge No. 659, a skilled carpenter, certified scuba diver, and avid world traveler,” the obituary said. “Above all, he was completely devoted to his family and fiercely loyal to his friends.”
According to loved ones, Barbera lived by two words: "serve and protect."
"These two words are often known and associated with law enforcement, but today I'm asking each and every one of you reading this to help me Serve this family, help Protect them now and into their future just as our dear friend, husband, father, son and brother - Officer Tony Barbera did each and every day for his community, and for everyone around him," Holly Kwedar wrote.
In the days since his passing, tributes have poured in from friends and loved ones.
“Tony, you will be truly missed!” wrote Amy Williams. “Watch over my Brooke and your Riley! I am so honored and proud that you and Laura became more like family than just friends. Light up the sky for us.”
Kwedar, a close friend, started a GoFundMe to help Tony’s wife and daughter as they navigate life without him.
"Death at any age is a loss and leaves everyone associated with the deceased with a whirlwind of emotions, questions unanswered, 'I love you's' unsaid, and a painful void of something that made us whole," she wrote. "Something we didn't even know fully existed within us until our loved one was gone."
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Laura, and their 7-year-old daughter, Riley, who was described as "his world, his life, his pride and joy."
Officer Tony Barbera
"What once was a trio is now two," Kwedar wrote. "A new life to navigate without Tony by their side, and a road ahead filled with challenges — both emotional and financial."
Officer Tony Barbera
Kwedar said that after another family loss, the Barberas moved from Philadelphia back home to Hampstead.
"Since Tony's mom's passing, they uprooted their life in Philly to return home to Maryland, a place of both Tony and Laura’s childhood homes," she added.
"With Tony’s sudden passing, Laura is now left to navigate not only her grief, but also the immediate funds needed for funeral expenses, as well as both the necessary and unexpected costs with selling their Philadelphia home so that she can rebuild a new life for herself and Riley here in Maryland."
Officer Tony Barbera
Friends and loved ones shared dozens of photos of Barbera in the weeks following his death.
Donations can be made here.
Kwedar added that “every donation — large or small — will help make a difference,” and urged the community to “come together to honor Tony’s legacy of love and service by lifting up the family he cherished so much.”
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 15 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westminster, with a reception to follow.
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