Another Voice Has Been Silenced By Cancer

John Barbaro, the legendary voice of the Civic/Mellon Arena passed away earlier this evening due to a long battle with brain cancer. Barbaro was 65 years old. Reports are that he was surrounded by his family in a hospice care home in Washington County.

Barbero called his first Penguins game in 1972-73 and worked 36 seasons for the team. He was part of three Stanley Cup championship seasons and had the distinction of announcing every home goal of Mario Lemieux's Hall of Fame career.


When I was working with the Penn State women's hokey team, I tried to mimic the unique style of Barbaro during the 2001-2002 season. Much like Lange's voice, Barbaro's voice in the arena was a signature of the Penguins brand of hockey. He will truly be missed.

No word if his voice was captured for posterity and will be played in the new Consol Energy Arena.

[Via: Patriot News and Official Pittsburgh Penguins Website]