Maurizio "Nick" Barbatano

BARBATANO, MAURIZIO Maurizio (Nick) Barbatano, age 54, was quietly called to his heavenly home, on Sunday, May 12, 2013. He battled heroically, but sadly succombed to his cancer disease. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Bernadette (nee Durka); son, Johncarlo; and daughter, Maria. He was preceded in death, by his mother, Giovanna; Aunt Ada; cousin, Marika; and brother-in-law, Phillip Durka. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Dr. David Durka (Deborah); and nephews, Ryan (Annicia), Michael; and cousins, Cory and Carissa. He was employed at Broadway Systems downtown, as lead software engineer and "mentor on the mountain". Maurizio and his mother fled from Asmara, Ethiopia in 1967 during the civil unrest. They became US citizens, settled in Garden City, Kansas and eventually moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1986. He also lived in Chicago and served as an intern at the Pentagon in Virginia. He was a proud graduate of Grinnell College '81, in Iowa, earning a Bachelor's degree in both Mathematics and Computer Science. He was a prince of a man, loving and loyal husband, dedicated and devoted father, and valiant warrior. He lived for his family, loved his country and believed in God. A memorial mass celebrating his inspirational life and amazing gifts of virtue, will be held in late August. Please consider Gilda's Club Grand Rapids, for any donations in his remembrance.