Communication Studies Professor Carole A. Barbato Dies

The Vindicator - Tributes: Carole A. Barbato, Ph.D.

POLAND - Carole A. Barbato, Ph.D., 64, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, April 30, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center.

Carole was born May 13, 1949, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Thomas and Fedora Napolitano Teminsky.

She was a 1967 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Carole went on to further her education at Kent State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in English in 1971, a Master’s degree in Organizational Communications in 1975, and a Ph.D. in Small Group Communications in 1994.

For the past 40 years, Carole had been teaching and researching in Communication Studies at the Kent State University East Liverpool campus as well as the Kent campus. She loved teaching and motivating her students. Her greatest professional accomplishment came on Oct. 19, 2012, with the opening of the Kent State University May 4th Visitor’s Center.

Carole was a member of Holy Family Parish in Poland and Delta Kappa Gamma Mu Chapter.

Carole is survived by her husband of 41 years, Patrick Barbato, whom she married Sept. 9, 1972; daughter, Alissa (Mark) Kasmer of Hilliard; and grandson, Dylan.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 4 p.m. at the new Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St. in Boardman. Interment will be at Lake Park Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received Saturday from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggests that memorial gifts take the form of contributions in Carole’s name to KSU Foundation, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, OH 44242.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

Guestbook Entries

Ph.D, MSN, CNE

“It was a shock to hear Carole had passed. It was great to hear she got to enjoy retirement and share time with her beloved family. They were a true joy and love of her life. Her joy, determination and inspiring demeanor will be missed.”

» Frances Anne Freitas on May 12, 2014


“Pat and Alissa, Sorry I could not make it for services. My prayers to you; lots of fun memories of Carol and the family.”

» Caroll Gradishar on May 8, 2014


“Patrick and Alissa: We are so grateful that Carole was part of our lives. Her beauty and love for all was so radiant and infectious. She was such a good friend, even though we saw her only once a year at the May 4 Commemorations. She never forgot our names and when we attended/graduated KSU. Our last memory of Carole is from Sunday 5-5-13 when we all went out to lunch in downtown Kent after the presentation. What a wonderful time we all had talking and laughing. We were not able to attend the Commemoration this year, and was not notified by anyone from KSU. We didn't find out until this morning when we obtained the 5-2-14 Daily Kent Stater. Wish we could have been with you on 5-3-14. We will keep your family in our hearts and prayers. Faith & Bob Barnett”

» Faith & Bob Barnett on May 6, 2014


Marketing Writer, Kent State University

“I have great memories of lunching and laughing with Carole. What a fun person to be around! Sincere condolences to all friends and family.”

» Phil B. Soencksen on May 2, 2014


“Carole, you will be missed. The world lost a wonderful person. Pat and Alissa you are in my Prayers.”

» Dean R. Kahler on May 2, 2014

POSTED: Thursday, July 10, 2014 04:32 PM
UPDATED: Sunday, October 13, 2024 06:26 AM
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School of Communication Studies

Strong written and oral communication skills are essential to the practice of law. Communication Studies is one of several majors that students at Kent State can choose for the university’s 3+3 partnership with area law schools. We caught up with three alumni from the School of Communication Studies to explore how an undergraduate communication studies major prepared them for the study and practice of law.

The class, Global Perspectives Book Club, has become a refreshing classroom experience for students; it’s structured as a student-led, seminar-style class, so the students have an important role in deciding the course content and discussions. In addition to expanding their reading library, they’re gaining exposure to new cultures and learning how to empathize with those they are reading about through a storytelling and communication lens.  

As a Kent State student, Michael J. Houser, ’11, learned the value of good communication, and those lessons have propelled him throughout his career.

"From the first class to the last," he says, "you are assisted in learning the necessary skills to advocate and organize."