Merrill Lionel “Matt” Barbani | Eastern NC Now

    Mr. Merrill Lionel "Matt" Barbani, age 93, a resident of Washington, NC died Friday March 2, 2024, at ECU Inpatient Hospice in Greenville.

    A graveside funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday March 5, 2024, at Pamlico Memorial Gardens.

    Mr. Barbani was born in the Bronx, NY on October 6, 1930, son of the late Umberto and Linda Mangiagli Barbani. Following his high school and college education he worked as a rocket Scientist for NASA and worked on the Voyager project. From 1947 to 1949 he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp. From 1949 to 1952 he served in the U.S Air Force and from 1950 to 1951 he served in Korea. He operated Inner Banks Artisans Center and dearly loved oil painting. Along with his artist abilities he also was the author of several books. He was a member of the VFW and Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Washington.

    Survivors include his children: Jeffrey U. Barbani, and Marc P Barbani both of Elcohon, CA, Ronald J. Barbani and his wife Kimberly of Braselton, GA, and Laura Barbani Latapie and her husband Antoine of France. Mr. Barbani was predeceased, along with his parents by a brother: George Barbani.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Barbani family.