(Bellflower, California – September 23, 2026) – Brother Patrick “Pat” A. Barbariol, SDB, peacefully passed away on Wednesday afternoon, September 23, 2026, at the St. John Bosco High School Residence in Bellflower, California, at the age of 89. He faithfully lived his vocation as a Salesian religious for 70 years, generously offering his life to God, to the Congregación Salesiana, and especially to the young people entrusted to his care.
Brother Pat was born on February 22, 1937, in Menlo Park, California, to Stefano and Rosa Barbariol, wonderful parents who were first-generation immigrants from Italy. From his family, Pat received a strong foundation of faith, hard work, perseverance, and love. These values would become an important part of the man and Salesian Brother he would become.
Responding to God’s call, Patrick entered the Salesian Novitiate in Newton, New Jersey. On September 8, 1956, he made his first religious profession as a Salesian Brother. He began his Salesian ministry in Richmond, where he served as a Brother Assistant at the high school. There, he began living the Salesian mission that would define his life: being present among young people, accompanying them, teaching them, and helping them discover their dignity and potential.
In 1960, Brother Pat joined the faculty of Preparatoria Salesiana Bishop Mora in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. For the next 15 years, he generously shared his knowledge and skills, particularly in the field of printing. His technical expertise was not simply a profession; it became a means of educating and forming young people. Through his work, his presence, and his practical wisdom, he contributed to the Salesian tradition of educating young people for life while helping them develop their talents and become responsible members of society.
On September 8, 1962, Brother Pat made his perpetual profession as a Salesian of Don Bosco. On that day, he gave himself definitively to God as a consecrated religious, embracing the Salesian mission of educating and evangelizing young people, especially those most in need. His perpetual profession was more than a promise made on one particular day—it was a commitment that he renewed through the ordinary fidelity of every day of his long Salesian life.
In 1985, Brother Pat was asked to move to Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, where he continued to share his knowledge, experience, and skills with generations of students. Don Bosco Tech became a particularly significant part of his life and ministry. For more than 40 years, he was part of the Don Bosco Tech community. Even after his years of formal teaching, he continued to make himself available to the school and the community. His long presence was a gift to the many students, faculty, staff, and Salesians who had the privilege of knowing him.
In July 2026, because of his declining health and his need for consistent care and assistance, Brother Pat moved to St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, where he was lovingly cared for by the Salesian community, the personnel responsible for the care of our elderly confreres, and those who accompanied him during the final weeks of his earthly journey.
February 22, 1937 – September 23, 2026
RELATED ARTICLES: