His theology studies took place at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, New York, where he received a Master of Divinity degree in 1975.

Before his ordination to the priesthood, Barbarito served as a deacon at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Astoria, Queens, for one year.

[2] After his 1976 ordination, the diocese assigned Barbarito to St. Helen's Parish in Howard Beach, Queens, in New York City.

Barbarito served as master of ceremonies for Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Joseph Peter Michael Denning from 1984 to 1990.

Barbarito served on the college of consultors, the priests' personnel board, the presbyteral council and as an appellate judge at the diocesan tribunal.

In January 2015, Barbarito underwent a successful seven-hour surgery in Miami to remove a benign brain tumor.

Gallagher said that the diocese was retaliating against him for reporting a visiting priest who allegedly showed pornographic pictures to a teenager.