In Loving Memory of Our Precious Baby Boy

Forever Our Son, Forever Their Little Brother

Some lives are measured in years, while others are measured by the love they bring into this world. Some hearts leave an everlasting imprint without ever having the chance to take their first steps.

With unimaginable sadness and a love that words could never fully express, Brandon and Zoë Barbera announce the passing of their precious son, Mason David Joseph Barbera, on 11/01/2026.

As the sixth child and first son of Brandon and Zoë, he was a beautiful and much anticipated blessing who brought so much joy, excitement, and love to a full and happy home.

From the moment his family knew he existed, he was celebrated. His arrival was dreamed about, his future was imagined, and his place in the family was already his. There were conversations about who he might look like, whose personality he might inherit, and all the wonderful things life might hold for him.

His five big sisters, Raya, Aila, Thea, Shia, and Nora, were so excited to welcome their baby brother. He was the little boy who would grow up surrounded by five sisters, five built-in best friends, five protectors, and more love than he could ever imagine. They had already begun making room for him in their hearts and in their lives. Though they will not have the childhood together they had dreamed of, they will forever be his big sisters, and he will forever be their little brother.

His grandparents were equally overjoyed to welcome him. To them, he was not simply another grandchild, but another precious piece of their hearts. They had dreams of holding him, watching him grow, celebrating his milestones, and making memories that would last a lifetime. The loss of those moments is a heartbreak shared by the entire family. He was treasured beyond measure by his grandparents, Michelle and Joey Miley, and Jennifer and David Barbera, whose love for their grandson will never fade.

He was also deeply loved and eagerly awaited by his aunts and uncles: Jessie and Andrew Liston, Marisa Barbera, Sara Barbera, Hayley Miley, Zane Miley, Zander Miley, and Zach Miley, along with numerous cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, and extended family members who were all looking forward to knowing and loving him.

He leaves behind his cherished great-grandparents, Robert and Marie Niemchak, Vickie Miley, and Frances Barbera, each of whom holds a special place in the generations of family love into which he was born.

His family takes comfort in believing that he was welcomed into Heaven by his great-grandparents, David Bogue and Annick Metz, his great-grandfather Ed Miley, his great-grandfather, James Barbera, and his beloved great-aunt, Chrissy Barbera, who were waiting with open arms to hold him, love on him, and give him all the hugs and kisses his family here on earth wishes they could. Though their hearts ache for the moments they will never share with him, there is comfort in imagining that he was never alone, not even for a moment. That the love surrounding him here on earth continues in Heaven, where he is held close by those who went before him, until the day they can all be together again.

Although his time on earth was far too brief, his life was filled with love from beginning to end. He spent every moment safe beneath his mother’s heart, surrounded by the voices of the family who adored him. He never had to wonder if he was wanted, if he belonged, or if he was loved. He was all of those things, completely and unconditionally.

There is a lifetime of memories his family will never get to make, a thousand little moments they will forever wish they could have shared, and a place in their home that will always belong to him.

But his story is not defined by the moments he was unable to live. It is defined by the love he created, the family he brought even closer together, and the beautiful reminder that even the smallest life can leave the greatest impact.

He was not loved any less because his life was short. And he will never be remembered as anything less than the precious son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin he will always be.

His family will carry him in every milestone, every celebration, every family gathering, and every quiet moment when they wish he were there.

He will always be their sixth child, their first son, and the little brother to five girls who will forever speak his name with love.

So deeply wanted. So endlessly loved. So terribly missed.

Though his family must carry the sorrow of losing him, they will also carry the beautiful privilege of having loved him. His place in their hearts, their home, and their family will remain his, always.