Donald “Don” J. Barber passed away on August 16th, 2021 at home with family. He was born in 1928 and grew up in Nutley, NJ with parents Eleanor Mary and Thomas Barber, sister Peggy, and brother Tom, graduating high school in 1947 with many who became lifelong friends. Don told many stories of his summers lifeguarding in Seaside Heights, and visiting with family at Kittatinny and Mohawk Lakes. Upon graduation, he entered the Naval Reserves before joining the Army and proudly serving as 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War, where he was a member of Special Operations assigned to the Korean Military Advisory Group and received a ROK Presidential Unit Citation. Upon returning from Korea, Don met his wife of 65 years, Dana Miller, with whom he shared endless love and wonderful memories. Don worked in sales, which was a perfect occupation for his personality and love of meeting people.
Don and Dana settled in Middletown, NJ, where the door was always open to any and all friends and neighborhood children, and the counter stools were always full. Don spent cherished time with Dana and the kids at their house in Harvey Cedars where he could often be found harvesting mussels off the jetty, ready for his never ending pot of sauce on the stove, which was often shared with extended family and friends.
Don could talk to anyone about anything and often did. His knowledge, kindness and compassion were obvious to everyone he met. He enjoyed many trips and travels with Dana, and family and friends; whether it was gathering in Chincoteague with a picnic table full of recently caught crabs, taking his boat on an overnight outing, or visiting the west coast, Don was always ready for the next adventure. Anyone who traveled with Don knew that meant meeting and making new friends wherever they went. It was said that “the party didn’t start until Don got there”.
Don is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife Dana, son and devoted caregiver, Jonathan, sons Stephen, Donald Jr.(Kathy), Christopher, James (Sharon), daughter Lisa Brown (Greg), grandchildren Brittany, Michael Thomas, Michael Stephen, DanaRose and Nathan, sister Peggy Desloge, brother Tom Barber, brother-in-law Roger Miller, as well as several other loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Timothy and parents Thomas and Eleanor Mary.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
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