Vince LaBarbera

Freelance Writer

Vince LaBarbera is a Fort Wayne native. He attended Cathedral Grade School, Central Catholic High School and is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts. He also earned a master of science degree in journalism and advertising from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Following active duty training with the U.S. Army Reserve, he began a 30-year career in the Public Affairs Department of Indiana Michigan Power Company, Fort Wayne, Indiana, holding positions of advertising supervisor, editor of publications and information services manager. He also served the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for 15 years, initially as the associate and then director of communications. He has been writing for Today’s Catholic since the mid-1990s. Vince is retired, but continues to enjoy freelance writing and volunteering for the Radio Reading Service of the Allen County Public Library. He’s also a charter member of the Fort Wayne Area Community Band, playing trumpet and sharing announcing duties, and he is a member of Buglers Across America and Band Alumni of Notre Dame. He and his wife, Marty, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January 2017. They are the parents of four children: Michael, in Arvada, Colorado; Gregory, in Vancouver, Washington; Timothy, in Warren, Indiana; and Christine (Robbins), in Butler, Indiana. They have three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The LaBarberas have been active members of St. Therese Church for more than 40 years.