Born in Bellaire, Ohio, Patti M. Giannetta Barnabei has been a cherished resident of Weirton since 1979. The daughter of the late Anthony and Angie Giannetta, Patti's deep roots in the Ohio Valley have undoubtedly shaped her commitment to her community. A proud graduate of Bellaire High School in 1975, Patti's journey has been marked by a profound dedication to the well-being of others, both physically and spiritually, deeply rooted in her faith.
After graduating from Wheeling Barber College in 1977, Patti began her professional life in Weirton, cutting hair at Rich's Groom Room. This early career grounded her in the local community and fostered the interpersonal skills that would become hallmarks of her approach to service.
In 1988, Patti found her calling within the Hancock County Schools, where she served with dedication until her retirement in 2017. During her tenure, she held the significant roles of Special Education Autism Mentor and Pre-School Assistant, providing invaluable support and guidance to students with autism and young learners in their formative years. Her nearly three decades of service were marked by unwavering patience, deep compassion, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing the growth and development of each child she served, making a lasting positive impact on countless young lives.
Patti's faith has been a guiding force throughout her life. As an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Church from 1978-2017, she served in numerous capacities, including President of the Christian Mothers, a dedicated School Board Member, and a member of the Singing Folk Group. Her commitment to worship also extended to Crossroads Church from 2017-2024, where she served on their worship team. Today, Patti continues her active involvement in her faith community as a member of Weirton Alliance Church, where she currently serves on the worship team and provides leadership for the women's bible study group called Faith over Fear, demonstrating her ongoing desire for spiritual expression, growth, and connection with others.
Beyond her dedicated work within the school system and her active church involvement, Patti's commitment to her community's well-being extends even further. Recognizing the urgent need to address the challenges of addiction, she took the initiative to establish the non-profit faith-based organization Never Alone WV. This vital group focuses on raising crucial awareness about the importance of a drug-free community and diligently works to connect individuals and families with the resources they need to battle addiction through faith-based monthly meetings.
Demonstrating her deep care for the spiritual development of young people, Patti founded a faith-based youth group that originated in 2018 as Never Alone Kids. Recognizing its core mission, the group transitioned in 2023 to Club 3:16. Meeting twice a month in her home, Club 3:16 provides a welcoming and supportive environment for high school students to deepen their involvement in the church and their relationship with God. This personal initiative underscores her enduring faith and her long-term commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of the next generation.
Married to Joe Barnabei since 1979, Patti is the proud mother of three children: Andre and his spouse Jessica, Bianca and her spouse David, and Liana and her spouse Jacob. Her family has grown, and she is a beloved Nana to eight cherished grandchildren, a testament to the love and connection that are central to her life. Her strong family life and her profound dedication to serving her community, both in addressing critical social issues through her faith-based work with Never Alone WV and fostering spiritual growth through her extensive church involvement and youth group, are deeply intertwined.
Patti M. Giannetta Barnabei has made extensive, multifaceted contributions and is deeply rooted in her faith. Her nearly three decades of dedicated service within Hancock County Schools as a Special Education Autism Mentor and Pre-School Assistant provided invaluable specialized support to students, her visionary leadership in founding Never Alone WV addresses a vital community need through faith-based monthly meetings, and her enduring commitment to nurturing faith in young people through the evolution of Never Alone Kids to Club 3:16, alongside her long-standing and active involvement in various churches, including her current service on the worship team and leadership of the Faith over Fear women's bible study at Weirton Alliance Church, demonstrates a profound dedication to their holistic well-being. Patti's compassionate spirit, her proactive approach to addressing community needs, and her unwavering dedication, all while cherishing and growing her loving family, make her a truly deserving and deeply appreciated recipient of this honor.
