Aubrey Karl Barbee, Jr.

Aubrey Karl Barbee, Jr., 70, most recently of Spring Brook Township, died early Saturday at home after suddenly being stricken ill. 

Born in Rocky Mount, NC, son of Aubrey Karl Barbee, Sr. and the late Barbara Perkins Cutchin Barbee, he was a graduate of East Carolina University in Greenville where he obtained a dual major in archaeology and anthropology, and further cultivated his love for the world by developing a deep appreciation for the beauty of art and the richness of language, of which he spoke five. 

Karl began his performing career over forty-five years ago, primarily as a dancer, studying with such luminaries as David Howard (NYC), Jacqueline Finnaert (Paris Opera Ballet), Laura Alonso (Ballet Nacional de Cuba), Irina Kolpakova (Kirov Ballet/ABT), Stanley Holden (Royal Ballet), and Diana Cartier (Joffrey Ballet/ ABT).  He also taught extensively throughout the United States and abroad, sharing his expertise at prestigious theaters and renowned programs such as Henderson State University (AR), Studio Harmonique, The American School of Paris, Studio Paris Centre, and Ballet de L’Opera de Lyon (France), David Howard Dance Center, Theater Dance, and Broadway Dance Center (NYC), Balet Oleg Ignatiev (Leningrad, Rus.), The National School of Art Dance, Jassballetskoli Baru (Reykjavik, Iceland).

In addition to establishing a name for himself worldwide, Karl also contributed significantly to local productions of both stage and screen at numerous venues throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania as a dancer, actor, director, historical interpreter, and choreographer.  He worked most extensively with the Corner Bistro Dinner Theatre, Scranton Civic Ballet, Linn McDonald School of Dance, Act Out Theatre Group, CAPAA, and the Whipple Performing Arts Center, among others.  For nearly twenty years, he was a castmember of the Dearly Departed Players, where every autumn he profoundly brought stories to life through his portrayals of local individuals throughout the region as part of the Dunmore Cemetery Tour. 

Most recently, Karl had been enjoying new ventures in independent films throughout the valley.  He had also been expanding on his performance art as a living history volunteer in partnership with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley and the Steamtown National Historic Site for the Heritage Express elementary educational program and excursions.  His passion for storytelling helped to forge a bond between our history and audiences of all ages. 

In addition to his father, Karl is survived by his sister, Chris Rollins and husband Marion of Wallace, NC; and his brother Jim Barbee and wife Diana of Pinehurst, NC; his niece Courtney Justen and husband Cees, nephew Cameron Rollins and wife Katelyn; great-nieces and great-nephews Carter Justen, Colbie Justen, Jayce Rollins, and Ryleigh Rollins; colleagues and collaborators; his beloved cat, Sable; as well as a wide host people who had the greatest pleasure to be known as friends. 

His sister, Annis Cutchin Barbee, died this past March. 

Family and friends may pay their respects on the morning of Saturday, October 26th from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, PA with a life tribute to begin at noon.

For those unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed via livestream at www.scrantonfilms.com/livestream

Interment will be privately held at the convenience of his family.

In lieu of flowers, it is kindly asked that contributions in Karl’s memory be made to any local theatre or dance studio that fosters the introduction and advancement of performance arts.

It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have re-written mine

By being my friend...