Serve and Protect.
These two words are often known and associated with law enforcement, but today I'm asking each and every one of you reading this to help me Serve this family, help Protect them now and into their future just as our dear friend, husband, father, son and brother - Officer Tony Barbera did each and every day for his community, and for everyone around him.
Death at any age is a loss and leaves everyone associated to the deceased with a whirlwind of emotions, questions unanswered, I love you's unsaid, and a painful void of something that made us whole; something we didn't even know fully existed within us until our loved one was gone.
On October 10, 2025, our lives were forever changed by Tony’s sudden passing. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Laura, and their dear 7-year-old daughter, Riley - his world, his life, his pride and joy. I write to each and every one of you reading this today to help me - help Laura and Riley Barbera, the two left in the wake of this unimaginable loss. The two who now must face a future living without Tony’s presence, guidance and support.
- Laura - Tony's wife of 10 years, confidant, companion and best friend of 23 years total, was everything to him. A woman who has lived more than half her entire life by Tony's side. They built a partnership filled with love, laughter and unwavering support. If you're blessed enough to know her, you know the strength, warmth and grace she brings to everyone around her. The 'ying' to his 'yang' we all knew Tony needed; she was truly Tony’s rock.
- Riley - Daddy's little girl doesn't even rightfully fit in here, as she is his - copy / paste. So brave and so kind, full of life - just like her dad, and with funny looks and mannerisms to match. Two peas in a pod to see these two together, and the way she’d look at and idolize him was truly something special. She is all the best parts of him, in one tiny little body - her daddy’s biggest fan.
What once was a trio is now two. A new life to navigate without Tony by their side, and a road ahead filled with challenges – both emotional and financial. Since Tony's mom's passing, they uprooted their life in Philly to return home to Maryland, a place of both Tony and Laura’s childhood homes. With Tony’s sudden passing, Laura is now left to navigate not only her grief, but also the immediate funds needed for funeral expenses, as well as both the necessary and unexpected costs with selling their Philadelphia home so that she can rebuild a new life for herself and Riley here in Maryland.
In addition, Tony’s absence means a significant reduction in household income, making it even harder to provide Riley a future that Tony and Laura always dreamed of - one with opportunities to fulfill those dreams, and a life of happiness beyond.
How You Can Help
If you are able, please consider donating to support Laura and Riley Barbera as they navigate this difficult transition. Your generosity will help cover:
- Funeral and memorial service expenses.
- Immediate moving and resettlement costs.
- Food, transportation, and daily necessities.
- Educational expenses and future opportunities for Riley.
- The many unforeseen challenges that come with building a new life, after such a profound loss.
Every donation - large or small - will help make a difference. Every little bit can add up to a lot. *If you are unable to donate financially, simply sharing this page would even help them in their journey a lot.
Let us come together as a community to honor Tony’s legacy of love and service by lifting up the family he cherished so much. Thank you for your compassion, support, and prayers during this heartbreaking time.
With love and gratitude for my dearest friends.
-Holly Kwedar
Organizer
