Local TV and radio personality Joe Barber died a week ago at 53, and as the news spread, it quickly became clear—-in articles’ comments sections, in appreciations on local radio—-how big an impact he’d had on Washingtonians.
This week, his co-workers, friends, and family are paying their respects. According to Barber’s friend Joan Kraft, a memorial is scheduled for Wednesday at the DeVol Funeral Home in Cathedral Heights, due to its close proximity to WTOP’s offices. Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m., with a remembrance service beginning immediately after and running until 8 p.m.
The funeral will take place Thursday at National Harmony Memorial Park in Landover. It’s tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
For many years, Barber was a fixture of local entertainment coverage, serving as WTOP’s entertainment editor and appearing frequently on WETA’s Around Town to discuss film.
Friends have established the Joe Barber Memorial Fund to help pay for funeral expenses. Donations will be accepted at the services, which are open to the public.