Former CVUSD Board Member John Barbieri Dies at 88

John Barbieri, a longtime Castro Valley Unified School District Board member and local businessman, died last week at the age of 88.

Barbieri is survived by his wife, Emily, with whom he recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. All five of their children and two of their grandchildren graduated from Castro Valley schools. Barbieri’s private practice included serving as COO and co-owner of Barbieri's Financial Consultant and as an appraiser.

Barbieri received his bachelor’s in business from the University of San Francisco in 1959. He served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps until his discharge in 1962. He taught math, management, and economics at Chabot College for 14 years and held a lifetime teaching credential and a master's degree in governance. 

His community service included serving on the Castro Valley Unified School District Board of Education for twenty-six years, including several terms as its president. Before being elected as a CVUSD Board Member, Barbieri served on the Personnel Commission for the District for twenty years. Barbieri also served on the Alameda School Board Association and the County’s Oversight Redevelopment Committee.

“Mr. Barbieri will always be remembered for his contributions and service for forty-six years to the Castro Valley community and CVUSD,” CVUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi said. “His advocacy for students at the local and state level will continue to benefit the students in Castro Valley for years to come.”

The superintendent added that Barbieri’s leadership on the Board of Education for many years improved opportunities and access to high-quality programs for all students. 

“We are forever grateful to have had the opportunity to know Mr. Barbieri, who modeled for all of us what it means to be a caring leader who puts others above himself.” Superintendent Ahmadi said.