Sam C. Barbera III

1968 - 2021

Sam C. Barbera III obituary, 1968-2021, Baton Rouge, LA

BORN

1968

DIED

2021

Sam Barbera Obituary

Sam C. Barbera III, lover of people and the outdoors, passed away January 6, 2021 at the age of 52. Sam could not turn a corner without seeing someone who knew him, someone who loved him or someone he had helped-a truth evidenced by the outpouring of love, admiration and respect expressed from family and friends across the country during the last several days. Sam was born in Frankfurt, Germany on April 17, 1968 to Sam C. Barbera, Jr. and Frances Fertitta Barbera while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. He grew up in Thibodaux and was a proud graduate of E. D. White Catholic High School and Nicholls State University. Sam was a best friend, a mentor, a soldier and an infinite list of other roles. Whether you called him Captain Sam, Uncle Sam, Buddy, Pal, Sambo, Prince of the Pontchartrain, Safety Sam, Uncle Bubby or Crazy Sam Barbera, the famous fisherman, he was who you needed him to be. Sam had a unique way of morphing into whomever you needed at that moment. He would do anything for anyone at any time. Following in his father and grandfather's footsteps, Sam joined the Army and served our country as a platoon leader, operations officer and section supervisor in the 557th and 204th Military Police Companies. His active duty assignments included deployments to Camp Humphreys in South Korea, followed by Cairo, Egypt in support of Operation Bright Star '94. While there, he was selected to head a personal security detail for General Hugh Shelton (who later became Commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff). At the urging of Major General Hunt Downer, Sam joined the Louisiana Army National Guard in 1996. He served the 239th Military Police Company as Provost Marshal of Joint Task Force Aguan and deployed to Honduras to perform humanitarian aid in the wake of Hurricane Mitch. In February 2000, Captain Sam Barbera (Blacksheep 06) was appointed commander of the 239th Military Police Company and served in that role until 2003. During that time, he completed a six month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as commander of the first Louisiana Army National Guard unit ordered to active duty after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Sam was honored by the Baton Rouge Business Report as a member of the 2003 "Top 40 Under 40". As a civilian, Sam joined the All Star Automotive Group as a sales representative until District Attorney Doug Moreau convinced him to work as a criminal investigator in his office. Four years later, Sam turned his volunteerism with the Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana into a full time job and spent a decade as the Executive Director of the STAR Tournament, a statewide coastal multi-species fishing tournament. Sam continued his calling as an ambassador for the outdoors as a marine operator with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and director of the Louisiana Saltwater Series, a competitive redfishing tournament. He also served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation before returning to his military roots as Operations Officer for the Louisiana Department of Military Affairs at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville. Sam was preceded in death by his grandparents Sam C. Barbera, Sr., Mamie Tramonte Barbera, Stephen Fertitta and Emily Cancienne Fertitta, as well as his mother-in-law Charlotte Fenerty Ewing. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Tracey Ewing Barbera; parents Sam and Fran Barbera; sister Stephanie LeJeune; brother-in-law Geoffery LeJeune; nephews Preston and Vincent LeJeune; niece Frances LeJeune; and stepson/buddy Christian Heap. He is also survived by his uncles Stephen Fertitta, Judge Jerome Barbera (Judy), Jay Barbera (Debbie), David Barbera (Katie), Danny Barbera (Connie), and aunt Tina Harvey (Sam). Due to covid concerns, the family held a private prayer service officiated by Brother Ray Hebert, S.C. Sam's friends and family will hold a public celebration of Sam's life at a later date. For those who wish to make a memorial donation, please consider (1) Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy Fund in support of research to help those suffering from the ill effects of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), (2) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, (3) Hunters for the Hungry or (4) Dose of the Coast. Life without Sam will go on, but it just will not be as much fun. If you tell a Sam story, teach a child to hunt and fish, perform a random act of kindness or make someone smile, the magic of Sam Barbera will never end.

Published by The Advocate from Jan. 14 to Jan. 15, 2021.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Sam Barbera

Not sure what to say?





I met "Sammy" while serving together at Cp Delta in Cuba. We became fast friends, and have since had a bond that most only hear about, and very few get to actually experience... he just had the ability to make you feel that way. There will forever be a void in my life knowing that he´s not there, and he will be dearly missed.... I love you my friend, my brother in arms!!!

Sincerely,
Foghorn-Leghorn (his nickname for me)

Bart Bartran

Friend

August 30, 2021

One great person who will be truly missed RIP Sam.

James Robert Spillman

Acquaintance

June 26, 2021

One great person who will be truly missed RIP Sam.

James Robert Spillman

Acquaintance

June 26, 2021

Just had to share one more pic because this one depicts who Lt Barbera was. He was our boss and we all respected him and would do whatever he asked (and of course, whatever he ordered). But here he was just checking in with the guys to make sure we were good to go. Such a loss.

Stan Bridgman

Served In Military Together

January 20, 2021

I had the good fortune to serve with then 1LT Barbera. He was the simply the best of the best. Cared for his men, stood up for what he believed in, and could be counted on to be in a good mood no matter the circumstance. I deployed with him to Egypt and he was the leader of our Personal Security Detachment mission which did include providing in-close security to multiple General officers, including Gen Shelton. Lt Barbera was just a great guy and I am very sorry for this loss. There are many of us who will feel that loss - such was his character. God Speed L.T.

Stan Bridgman

Served In Military Together

January 20, 2021

I had the pleasure of serving with Sam while we were stationed together at the 557th MP Company, Camp Humphreys, Korea. He was a young 2LT when he arrived in the unit but very knowledgable and eager to be the best he could be for his soldiers. He had a great sense of humor and always an easy target to the pranks and sarcasm that only an old senior NCO can share with the young officers in the unit. He handled all the kidding with his sense of humor and that big ever present grin. He was one of a kind. My sincere condolences to the entire family.

1SG (Retired) Rick Bublitz

Served In Military Together

January 20, 2021

I was the 1SG of the 557th MP Company, Pyongtek, Korea, when Sam arrived at the unit. Sam was a young 2LT that was susceptible to the kidding and hidden meanings thrown out by this old soldier but always took everything in stride and with that big goofy grin of his. He was a great man, wonderful leader, and well respected by all the troops and Korean augmentees to the unit. My sincere condolences to the family. He was one of a kind. The photo is Sam and his platoon sergeant, Marc Couchey, as Marc was leaving Korea.

Rick Bublitz

Served In Military Together

January 20, 2021

Never got to know Sam as well as I would have liked to. That's my loss. Enjoy heaven old friend!!

Russ Hebert

Friend

January 18, 2021

My prayers and sympathy to the Barbera family.

Debi Silverii Chachati

Acquaintance

January 17, 2021

Awesome individual no doubt !
A ambassador for Louisiana and the outdoors and our country!
Humorous or serious Sam could always spin a smile on your face !
Loved the times I had with Sam and he will be missed but never forgotten!
Peace be with Sam and his family

Capt. Keith “Herk” Bergeron

Friend

January 17, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Belinda Spears

January 17, 2021

I never met Sam but I watched him on television for years. His presence in front of the camera made me feel as though I knew him. He is now fishing Gods Gulf Coast with my friend Dallas Michael Rabalias who's Cajun Quest program also ended too soon. May Sam forever catch the catch of a lifetime.

Paul Gantt II

January 17, 2021

I never knew Sam but it definitely sounds like I missed out on knowing one fine man. Thanks for all you did. God bless. Rest in Peace. My condolences to his family and friends.

Don Romero

January 16, 2021

Sam was a very special person and I feel proud to have known him. The world lost a best friend. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Bill LeJeune

January 15, 2021

Tracey I am so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Peggy Goods

Friend

January 15, 2021

I’m so sorry about him but he’s probably fishing in heaven . I will always have y’all in my thoughts and prayers. Love always,
Johanna N Crawford

Johanna Crawford

Friend

January 15, 2021

My heart aches for the Barbera family. Visiting with Lil Sam was always a fun experience. May God grant him eternal peace.

keith hanks

Friend

January 15, 2021

I served with Sam in the Army National Guard and with the Task Force to Honduras following Hurricane Mitch. He was a good soldier, always handled his responsibilities professionally, and had a great sense of sense of humor. I still tell of his unique tent set up with fellow soldiers where his imagination and initiative solved a time and travel problem to other parts of the camp.
I will miss seeing him.
Col. Gary Keyser (Ret)

Gary Keyser

Military

January 15, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Krischelle Lee

Coworker

January 15, 2021

It is the “Soldier”
In Memorial Honor to CPT Sam C Barbera
US Army & Louisiana National Guard

It’s the Soldier,
not the pastor/preacher, who has given us freedom of religion and worship.
It’s the Soldier,
not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It’s the Soldier,
not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It’s the Soldier,
not the demonstration organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble and demonstrate.
It’s the Soldier,
not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It’s the Soldier,
not the politician, who has given us the right to vote, ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It’s the Soldier, Who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the Flag and whose coffin is draped by the Flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.

The American Soldier does not serve and fight because he hates who is in front of him; he serves and fights because he loves who is behind him.

ETERNAL REST GRANT HIM O LORD AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.

COL (Ret) Calvin & Jan Washispack

Served In Military Together

January 15, 2021

He will be missed by many. A life well lived, RIP, soldier and thank you for your service.

Jim Spain

January 15, 2021

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Sam's passing. I served with Sam for many years in the Louisiana Army National Guard. He was a fine officer and my encounters with him were always great! Sam was special and I'm glad our paths crossed many times over the years. I extend to his wife, family, and friends my sincere and deep condolences.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Douglas A. Hillensbeck

Served In Military Together

January 15, 2021

RIP Sam, you will be missed. I always enjoyed working with you and Tracey at DA’s office.

Joe Hughes

Coworker

January 15, 2021

Sam’s patience and kindness with children will always be remembered,appreciated and missed especially by Charlotte Marie Dowd at the fishing camp and family get -togethers! Yes, his love always shone through as did others ‘ love for him!

Bitsy Van Norman

Friend

January 15, 2021

Truly one of a kind. So privileged to know him and his smile. Prayers for all.

Laura Dauzat

Friend

January 15, 2021

It's difficult to find the words to say goodbye to somebody you could never perceive as "gone." Sam Barbera could illuminate a room simply with his presence. His genuine love for his fellow man wasn't something one could experience and ever forget. You would depart Sam's presence, with the feeling that you were the most important person in the world to him. His gifts of interaction were many and God granted him the ability to use them in the most delightful ways.

You will be missed Sam, beyond description. You will never be forgotten.

Ron Cowart

Friend

January 15, 2021

I didn’t know him and I’m from Paincourtville.I’m sure he is related to Bobby and Mike Barbera in Napoleonville which I went to school with them.They were a great family and what I read about him he was a awesome person.Extra Prayers for all the family.

Nary LeGleu

Friend

January 15, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear that we lost Sam. Sammy and Fran, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Stephanie as you mourn. Sam was a fine young man

Jerome Richard

Teacher

January 15, 2021

I fished with Sam doing TV along with C.T.Williams and we always had a blast doing it. Sam made the day he was so funny I’ll never forget those times what a great guy

Robert Campo

Friend

January 15, 2021

Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results

Make a Donation
in Sam Barbera's name

Memorial Events
for Sam Barbera

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Sam's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sam Barbera's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more