Dr. Cosmo A. "Gus" Barbaro, PhD

Dr. Cosmo A. Barbaro, PhD, 84 years old, of Edinboro, died Friday, January 2, 2026 at his home. He was born in Auburn, NY on Nov. 14, 1941, the son of the late Anthony and Mary Barbaro.

Dr. Barbaro was in the music department at Edinboro University for 34 years. He taught percussion, world music and music history. He had previously been in charge of cultural affairs and was the assistant director of bands.

Dr. Barbaro had taught and adjudicated Drum and Bugle Corps, bands and indoor ensembles across the US and world. He was passionate about his family, and his students. He created lifelong friendships with many of them. He loved to travel domestically and internationally. He and his wife, Charlotte, both took pride in their home and garden. He loved striking up conversations and would talk with anybody willing to talk to him. He had a laugh that was unique, infectious, and could be heard three blocks away. He had a love for cars, especially convertibles, and would love to drive anywhere in the country. If you knew Gus, you would always see him with a cup of coffee in his hands from anywhere but Starbucks.

Cosmo was a member of the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edinboro.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank and sisters, Antoinette, Irene, Gloria and Annabelle.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Charlotte Barbaro; two daughters, Pamela Barbaro of Harrisburg, PA and Chimene Barbaro of Edinboro; two sons, Neil (Heather) Barbaro of Amarillo, TX and Cosmo Barbaro II, of Edinboro; four grandchildren, Anthony, Christopher, Eva and Isla Barbaro; also, several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Thursday January 8th from 5-7pm for a brief memorial service. A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, with exact date and time to be announced.

Memorials may be made to the ANNA Shelter, Shriners Children's Hospital of Erie, or DCI Memorial Scholarship c/o Drum Corps International, 2495 Directors Row, Suite I, Indianapolis, IN 46241.

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