Phillip Vincent Barletta

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023, Phillip Vincent Barletta passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Now, in Heavenly realms, he is reunited with his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 65 years, JoAnn (Mandola) Barletta.

Phillip was born on September 23, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to parents Frank and Rose (Sicola) Barletta. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in Houston where he played basketball, and ultimately met his future bride and soulmate from Incarnate Word Academy, JoAnn. He also attended the University of Houston, and always diligently followed UH’s sports teams thereafter. Phillip & JoAnn were married on October 4, 1953, and were blessed with four children. They were members of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church when they lived in their first home off Bellfort Avenue in southeast Houston, but then resided in their last home in Sagemont, also in southeast Houston, for well over 40 years, joining St. Luke’s Catholic Church at its founding. Phillip always harbored a profound and unwavering devotion to his wife, diligently tending to her every need, and caring for her in sickness during the final years of her life.

As the revered patriarch of his family, he deeply treasured his Italian heritage and devout Catholic faith, values he and JoAnn imparted to their children and extended family. His paramount commitment was dedicating quality time to his family, fostering a deep and enduring connection with those he held dear. Fondly referred to as “Paw Paw” to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, he took immense delight in spending time with them and sharing cherished stories. A devoted sports enthusiast, his passion for Houston teams, especially the Astros, Houston Oilers – and later, the Houston Texans, endured until his final days. He could effortlessly recount the scores and major plays of any recent game, and always took on a fun challenge to guess pre-game lines on games if presented with game specifics.

Throughout his successful professional sales career, Phillip worked for various companies, and established many friends and colleagues along the way – Burleson’s Honey, Specialty Foods (food brokerage) - but was most successful selling (for over 35 years!) one of the hardest services to market, pre-need funeral arrangements. He represented very reputable companies in the Houston funeral industry, including Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, Southland Insurance, (Earthman’s) Mission Life Insurance, and others, as well as partnering and selling for professional Funeral Homes, including Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, Froberg Funeral Home in Alvin, Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, and many others in the region. His knack for understanding his customers’ needs, and the needs of his special owners and colleagues at the Funeral Homes, and really - people in general, was a special trait that brought with it, success. Phillip retired around 2012, though he continued to try to utilize his sales skills with the many nurses that cared for him in his last few months (“…care for some candy over there on the table” – trade ya for 3 Advils! …” --- that one never worked!).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2023, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the lobby of The Catholic Community of St. Luke The Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 11011 Hall Rd., Houston. A Funeral Mass will follow from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Church. A Lunch Reception will be offered immediately after the Mass in the Church social hall. A graveside service for close family and friends will then follow the Reception at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, located at 13102 North Frwy., Houston.

Phillip is preceded in death by his wife, JoAnn, and his parents. Surviving Family members include son, Phillip F. Barletta (and wife Marilyn); son, Mark S. Barletta; daughter, Rosanette (Barletta) O’Drobinak; and son, Vincent J. Barletta (and wife Sarah). Grandchildren are Christopher P. Barletta (and wife Natalie), Casandra (Barletta) Fikes (and husband Cody), Damian Barletta (and fiancé Ahnalee Cristello), Stephen Barletta, Sydney (O’Drobinak) Hunt (and husband Matt), Dylan O’Drobinak, Amanda (Barletta) Davis (and husband Austin) and Joshua Barletta. Great grandchildren include Riley & Lydia Barletta, Christian, Collin & Camryn Fikes, and Owen Hunt. He will be especially missed by his endearing sister, Virginia Musachia, and loving brother, Samuel Barletta.

Pallbearers are: Christopher Barletta, Damian Barletta, Stephen Barletta, Cody Fikes, Dylan O’Drobinak, Joshua Barletta, Matt Hunt and Austin Davis.

In lieu of flowers, the Family prefers donations be made to your Charity of-choice in the name of the deceased.