Obituary of Barbara J. Gianettino
Barbara Joyce Gianettino, age 81, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at her home in Warren, NJ, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. She was born in Newark, NJ, on September 2, 1940. Barbara grew up in Irvington, NJ where she attended Irvington High School. It was there that she met her high school sweetheart and husband of 61 years Ron Gianettino.She graduated Irvington High School in 1958. They resided in Irvington and Union, NJ, before moving to Warren, NJ, 51 years ago. She also spent many of her summers at her home in Lavallette, NJ. She loved the beach and the Jersey Shore – the sun, the sights, the sounds, the food and the company of her family and her good friends
Barbara began her professional career at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark. She was a punch card operator and worked with some of the earliest models of IBM business computers. From there she became a business owner. In 1985, along with her business partner Barbara Peacock, Barbara opened Bavar’s a fashion boutique in Somerville, NJ. Although they closed the store in the early 1990’s, Barbara’s love of shopping and fashion continued throughout her life.
Barbara was a force of nature. She was a light of love, kindness, and strength. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing her experienced her zest for life and all things family. She spent lots of time in the kitchen preparing some of the best Italian food you would ever eat. She enjoyed gardening making her backyard an oasis. Barbara met lifelong friends in her Bible Study group that she would also play Mahjong with once a week. She also was a member of the The Bonafides of Somerset Hills, a women's club organized to enrich and improve the health, social, and civic welfare of the local community. Although she was an anxious flyer, Barbara traveled to manywonderful places with family and friends. A true testament to her strength and perseverance.
Her happiest times were spent being with her two beautiful grandchildren, curling up on the couch with Ron watching old films with a big bowl of ice cream, filling up the bath at the end of a long day and letting the day melt away, and reading her cooking magazines. It was the simple things that brought her the most joy. We will forever miss her amazing heart, her infectious laugh and her warm smile. She was the best friend, wife, mom, and Nana ever.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Ronald Gianettino; her children Ronald Gianettino, Jr. and his wife Diane and Vicki Bosie and her husband Jeff. Two grandchildren Matthew and Sophie. She is also survived by her sister Gail Florian and her husband Tom and her sister Audrey Beatrice and her husband Anthony.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2022, from 4pm to 7 pm and Friday July 8, 2022, from 9am to 11 am at Higgins Home for Funerals 752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung NJ 07069. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 8th at 11:00 am at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in her memory.
