Obituary of Barbara Jane Massaro

Barbara Jane Massaro, beloved wife, sister, cousin, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, at her home in Denville, NJ, surrounded by her loving family. She lived a beautiful life to the age of 86, filled with laughter, love, and endless precious memories.

Born on February 1, 1938, in Orange, NJ, Barbara was the daughter of Louis and Jennie Florio. She grew up with two sisters, forming the foundation of her strong family bonds that she cherished throughout her life. She graduated from West Orange High in 1955 and began working for NJ Bell. In November 1959, Barbara married her devoted husband, Carmen Massaro. Together they built a life filled with love and happiness, raising their three girls in East Hanover, NJ. Their marriage was a testament to their deep connection and enduring commitment to one another. Once her daughters were older, she went back to work, this time at Daffy Dan’s clothing store in East Hanover for over 20 years before retiring in 2012.

Barbara was a woman of many passions. She was an avid bowler and took great joy in competing in a league at Hanover Lanes, where her competitive spirit and sense of camaraderie shone. A lover of adventure and excitement, she often spent time at various casinos, enjoying the thrill of the games with her close friends and family.

Her family vacations to the Bahamas were treasured memories, a time when she could relax and bond with those she loved. But it was in the heart of her home that Barbara truly shined. A gifted cook, she delighted in preparing delicious meals for her family, and her signature dishes - meatballs, gravy, pizza and sausage - were legendary among those fortunate enough to partake.

Above all, Barbara was a kind and caring woman who always put the needs of others before her own. Her warmth, generosity, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Carmen, her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and Chester and is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Marty D’Amato.

Her legacy will live on for generations to come. Barbara also leaves behind her beloved children, Carla and Tom Durako, Dina and Douglas Tucker, Carmen and Matt Tanis, her grandchildren, Daneen and Rafal, TJ, Andrew, Taylor and her fiance Alec, Jillian, Owen, McKenna, her great-grandchildren, Malia, and Avery, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends who were blessed to have known her. She will forever be remembered for the love she gave, the joy she shared, and the remarkable woman she was.

If you would like to continue Barbara’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable donation to either the LUNGevity Foundation or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Memorial Donations can be made via https://inmemof.org/barbara-massaro.

Hours of public visitation for Barbara are scheduled for 3 to 8 PM on Friday, December 13th, 2024, at Norman Dean Home for Services. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 14th, at St. Mary’s Church of Denville, followed by a graveside service at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum. Please join us to celebrate the life of this incredible woman, and use this time to share a memory, leave a condolence, or light a candle to continue to let Barbara’s light shine!