Thomas Barbernitz

Thomas Francis Barbernitz, 63, of Gulfport, MS, passed away on Friday, 9th of September 2022, at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport.

Tom was born to Peter and Freida Barbernitz on 26th of November 1958 in Erie, PA.

Tom attended Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio.  Tom was an Eagle Scout. He served in the US Army and was a member of the 113th US Army Band where he played the clarinet. He graduated Magna cum Laude from the University of Akron with a BA in Accounting, and he received his MBA from the University of Akron.  He worked for BFGoodrich in the 1980’s and 1990’s.  After sailing to the Bahamas on his sailboat, Tom worked and lived in the Bahamas from 2001 – 2015. Tom provides and operates the family office for the von der Schulenburg Family.

Tom was a skilled dive master, private pilot, a licensed contractor, a boat captain and a passionate photographer. He loved to travel and take road trips on his motorcycles. Tom and Judy traveled the US in their motorhome.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Anne Hughes of Upper Jay, NY; and his parents, Peter and Freida of Denver, PA.

Tom is survived by his wife, Judy (Owen) of Gulfport, MS; his son, Thomas Troy Barbernitz (Javina), Michellynn Barbernitz; stepson, Michael McCullough, Jr.; his brothers, Mike (Linda) and Mark (Martha); sister, Mary (Jon); his granddaughter, Hannah Barbernitz; and his grandson, Dylan.   He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, and great nephews.

The Family of Tom wishes to extend their sincerest thanks to all the doctors and nurses of MD Anderson Cancer Center and Gulfport Memorial Hospital Care/Oncology. A special thank you to Dr. Olivia Hightower for all her care, kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the MD Anderson Mantle Cell Lymphoma Research or to The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

Tom will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the National Cemetery in Biloxi.  Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. The online guestbook may be viewed, and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com