By Kathy Wray Coleman, editor-in-chief, Cleveland Urban News. Com and The Cleveland Urban News.Com Blog, Ohio's Most Read Online Black Newspaper and Newspaper Blog Email:editor@clevelandurbannews.com, Tel: (216) 659-0473). Kathy Wray Coleman is  a community activist and 20 year investigative journalist who trained for 17 years at the Call and Post Newspaper. (www.clevelandurbannews.com) / (www.kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio-Community activist John Barbarino, a faithful member of the greater Cleveland grassroots group Black on Black Crime Inc., died Sept 28 of a massive heart attack.

Barbarino, 54, was active in the grassroots movement until his death and would pay for awards and certificates out of his pocket for activists that he felt had gone the extra mileon issues of public concern from police brutality to violence against women and the disenfranchisement of the poor.

Though among about tow handfuls of Whites who belong to Black on Black Crime, Barbarino was loved and will be sorely missed, community activists said yesterday.

"He fought the good fight and will be missed," said Black on Black Crime President Ernie Harris.

Several activists paid respects to Barbarino earlier today at his viewing at Brickman Brothers Funeral Home in Willoughby, Ohio. Activists there include David and Marva Patterson, Ada Averyhart, Kathy Wray Coleman, Terrie Tolefree and Hattie Porter.

Funeral services are Saturday, Oct 4 at 10:30 am at Brickman Brothers Funeral Home.

Barbarino, who was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 15023 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish,  is survived by two brothers, a sister, four step children and a host of other relatives, friends and associates.(www.clevelandurbannews.com) / (www.kathywraycolemanonlinenewsblog.com)