Profile Text
Birth Name: Joseph Roland Barbera
Date of Birth: March 24, 1911
Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
Date of Death: December 18, 2006
Place of Death: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Ethnicity: Sicilian Italian
Joseph Barbera, also known as Joe Barbera, was an American animator, director and producer. He created the characters and animated series Tom & Jerry, and founded Hanna Barbera animation studios; both with fellow animator William Hanna .
Joseph was the son of Francesca and Vincenzo Barbera. His parents were emigrants from the Italian island of Sicily. His father was born in Castelvetrano, province of Trapani. His mother was born in Sciacca, province of Agrigento. Joseph was married to Sheila Holden, until his death. He had four children with his former wife Dorothy Earl.
Some websites state that Joseph, and William Hanna, were of Lebanese and/or Syrian heritage. This is not accurate.
Joseph’s paternal grandfather was Lorenzo Barbera (the son of Vincenzo Barbera and Anna Cipolla). Lorenzo was born in Castelvetrano, Trapani. Vincenzo was born in Castelvetrano, the son of Lorenzo Barbera and Giovanna Sciacca. Anna was the daughter of Francesco Cipolla and Carmela Leone.
Joseph’s paternal grandmother was Francesca Morici (the daughter of Giacomo Morici and Maria LaVite). Francesca was born in Castelvetrano, Trapani, to parents who were also born there. Maria was the daughter of Rosario LaVite and Antonina Pantaleo.
Joseph’s maternal grandfather was Giuseppe Calvacca (the son of Paolo Calvacca and Francesca Indelicato). Giuseppe was born in Sciacca, Agrigento. Paolo was born in Sciacca, the son of Ignazio Calvacca and Margarita Amplo. Francesca was born in Sciacca, the daughter of Antonio Indelicato and Accursia Bentivegna.
Joseph’s maternal grandmother was Maria/Mary Monterosa (the daughter of Vincenzo Monterosa and Jennie Farrulo).
Source: Genealogy of Joseph Barbera – https://www.geni.com