Barbara Witt Viti 1931-2026

Barbara was born, along with her twin sister, Betty, on Oct. 15,1931, in Topeka, Kansas, to Caroline and Raymond Wolford.

She graduated from North Topeka High School in 1950 and attended the Stormont-Vail Nursing School.

In 1951, Barbara met Howard Witt, who was stationed at the Forbes Air Force Base, at a USO dance, and they were married on Sept. 1, 1952. Howard and Barbara then began their married life in Howard’s hometown of Youngstown.

Howard and Barbara had nine children and belonged to St. Edward Church on the North Side of Youngstown, where all their children attended grade school.

Barbara was very active in the St. Edward’s PTA, Confraternity of Christian Mothers, Pre-Cana Program and the Youngstown Diocesan Cursillo Movement.

Barbara worked for 27 years as the office manager for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart at the Sacred Retreat and Renewal Center on Logan Avenue in Liberty Township.

Barbara was active in the women’s auxiliary for the Sacred Heart Retreat House. Her administrative and interpersonal skills greatly contributed to the mission of the Sacred Heart Retreat House.

On Sept. 25, 1999, Barbara married Joseph Viti, and they celebrated 26 wonderful years together.

Barbara will be remembered for her beautiful smile, wonderful personality, love of entertaining her family and friends, and devotion to her children and their families.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Joe; children, David (Rachel) Witt; Juliana (Bill) Sofranko, Rebecca (Pat) Lowry, Marie (Mike) Dockry, Christopher (Lisa) Witt, Thomas (Marsha) Witt, James (Julie) Witt and Charles (Brenda) Witt; and daughter-in-law, Lisa (Paul) Witt. Barbara leaves 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Barbara also leaves two beloved nieces and a nephew in Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister, Betty; her first husband, Howard Witt; her son, Daniel Jude Witt; and her grandson, Jacob Sofranko.

The family will receive friends 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home on Madison Avenue in Youngstown.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at St. Edward’s Church, and please meet at church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ursuline Sisters Ministry or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by the McCauley Funeral Home, proudly serving the community for more than 124 years. Send thoughts and condolences to www.mccauleyfuneral home.com.

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