Nantambu B. Barnes, 33, trucker

WHEN Nantambu Braheim Barnes' brother, Kalonji "Kool" Barnes, contracted diabetes, Nantambu wanted diabetes, too.

That's how close the two brothers were. In fact, Nantambu, known as Bu to friends and family, was close to everybody in his family - brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and, of course, his parents.

That was the kind of guy he was. He was never happier than when he was romping with his own children and his little nieces and nephews or cousins, who always felt safe and secure when Uncle Bu was with them.

Bu, a truck driver for the ICC Trucking Co. in South Philadelphia, became a heart-transplant recipient at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital on Oct. 1 after waiting 72 days. But he died Oct. 8. He was 33 and lived in Germantown.

He was born in Abington to Frances Coleman and Lawrence T. Barnes. He attended St. Vincent de Paul Parochial School and was an altar boy at the church under the Rev. Richard Rock.

He graduated from Delaware Valley High School in 1992. He was an outstanding wrestler and played football with the Northwest Raiders youth team.

After high school, he worked several jobs, then received a certificate from the Professional Truck Driver Institute.

"Bu loved driving his truck," his family wrote in his obituary, "but it was his family and friends who were his true passion."

Although brother Kool was 15 months older, Bu looked after his brother and cared for him in his illness. Kool died, also at age 33, of complications from diabetes, on Feb. 15, 2006.

"Bu and Kool were extremely dedicated to their brotherhood, and they were always in support of each other," his family wrote.

Bu was also devoted to his younger twin brothers, Ateem and Akeem, even though he had trouble telling them apart and often called them by the wrong names.

His own children were his pride and joy - Nantambu, Natae and Destiny.

"Bu was a loving, caring, dedicated and gentle father who adored his children and those of his sister, Ateeya," the family wrote.

"We would often catch Bu playing and chasing his sister's four sons. Bu was always loving and comforting to the boys. They never feared anything because 'big brother' was always there.

"The boys could not wait for Uncle Bu to come home so he could turn them upside down, tickle and play fight with them."

Bu also had a close bond with his parents.

His mother, Frances, called "Sissy," was "his sweetheart and best friend. Bu knew he had a terrific mom."

"Sissy made each of her children feel loved and appreciated in every possible way," the family wrote.

"Sissy never let any of her children feel as though they were alone. They would always deal with life together as a family. "You could catch him shooting the breeze with his father, discussing the latest news, or lying back watching movies and boxing matches together.

"Bu was always everyone's number-one homie."

He also is survived by another sister, Naeemah; an adopted brother, Jamal; his paternal grandmother, Mary Barnes; the mothers of his children, Tamorra and Tamica, and a special friend, Aquila.

Services: Funeral Mass 10 a.m. today at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 109 E. Price St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham. *