Patricia Barcus Sabo has worked at the Harrison County Courthouse for over 20 years and is now ready to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
Barcus-Sabo grew up in Harrison County between Cadiz and Hopedale. She graduated from the Jefferson Technical Institute in 1977 with a secretarial certificate. “I’ve worked all my adult life,” Barcus-Sabo said, and had the opportunity to work with then Clerk of Courts Dianne Mazeroski Millikan in the title office of the BMV in 1999.
She eventually moved on to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office under now Judge Matthew Puskarich. She stayed at the prosecutor’s when Puskarich moved on to the Juvenile Probate judgeship where she remained until moving to the courthouse with Judge T. Shawn Hervey to serve as his administrative assistant in the criminal division.
She described her days at the courthouse as both interesting and fulfilling and said feels “privileged to have worked with an amazing group of people over the years, including my coworkers in the office, visiting judges, attorneys and law enforcement.”
Working in the criminal division of a courthouse was not always sunshine and rainbows. “I learned something new every day,” she said. “My only struggles were the cases involving tender age victims, the many individuals that became criminals through their use of illegal drugs, and seeing the victims of horrendous crimes.” However, she said she believes everyone has a story and that “if we look closely we can find some good in everyone.”
To stay grounded, she relies on her faith, “God is my center and peace and I prayed many times for both victims and defendants.”
Barcus-Sabo’s coworkers expressed gratitude for being able to work with her over the years. Court Assignment Commissioner Stephanie Snyder has worked with Barcus-Sabo for eight years, “Her bright personality always made the work day fun and enjoyable. We will miss her greatly but are happy that she gets to make more priceless memories with her grandchildren whom she cherishes.”
Administrative Assistant Alison Knight said Barcus-Sabo was very fun to work with, “She always made us laugh with her stories and we loved hearing about her family. She always went the extra mile to help anyway she could. Patti is one of the most caring and giving people I know. She never hesitated to help someone in need. I’m sure she will spend her retirement caring for others. She will be greatly missed!”
Prosecuting Attorney Lauren Knight has worked with Barcus-Sabo for about nine years and said she will be missed at the courthouse, “Patti can best be described as a hoot. You never know what she is going to say or do, and whatever it is, is entertaining. One of the best things about Patti is her heart and sense of humor. Patti is someone who is thoughtful in her treatment of others, and who will be sorely missed.”
Judge Hervey shared how much he enjoyed working with Barcus-Sabo for the last 24 years, “Patti epitomizes what an ideal employee should be. She is kind, compassionate, professional, dedicated and conscientious.” Of her leaving he remarked, “She is irreplaceable. A true public servant, she was, for most people, the first face or voice a person came in contact with at my offices. She routinely put people at ease and explained to them the process of the court system with a smile on her face and cheerfulness in her voice. She was an expert at handling people in need. She was proficient in all her secretarial duties and was fluent in criminal law and the drafting of entries for the Court. Patti made going to the office feel like spending time with your best friends. She wasn’t just a coworker she was a friend, counselor and sometimes conscience. I will sorely miss working with her and the county will miss her expertise and efficiency.”
Now that she is retired, Barcus-Sabo looks forward to making more memories with her family. “I am looking forward to spending time with my husband of 25 years, Frank, and my beautiful blended family I have been blessed with: Jamie Barcus Ashcraft and her family in Beavercreek, Doug Barcus and his family in Akron, Matt Barcus and his family in Glenshaw, PA, and Amanda Sabo DeLuca and her family in Cadiz. I have nine grandchildren, two of which graduate this year!”
She hopes to be able to do some traveling as well as keeping up on volunteer work around the community. She is involved with the Cadiz HS Alumni Scholarship Program, her church, and she said she’d like to increase her involvement with the Lions Club.
It’s clear that Barcus-Sabo has made a positive impact on the lives of those in and around Harrison County and has no plans to stop being part of the community.
