John Barna

John Barna, age 87, of Secaucus passed away peacefully October 2, 2021. John remains a gentle and loving soul, a dedicated and devoted husband, father and grandfather – family meant absolutely everything to him. He was generous, kind, loving and appreciated by all who knew him. He was an authentic and genuine character and always made us laugh. He will be forever in our hearts and sorely missed.

John is predeceased by his wife Carole (Kletch) Barna. John is survived by his loyal son Jay and caring daughter Linda of Secaucus; daughters Karen, Janine, Jackie Tobin and her husband Robert of Rutherford; sister Nancy and nephew Robin of Manalapan; sister-in-law Helen and her husband Jack Stone of Secaucus; and seven adoring grandchildren - EACH of them now rooting for Grandpa’s New York Yankees with all their heart: Sean, Jay, Eva, Hannah, Leah, Abby and Janina all of Rutherford.

John was born in New York City on March 21, 1934 to the late Anna (Wasenda) and Alex Barna. John and his sister Nancy grew up in Jersey City surrounded by cousins and friends. John loved music, dancing and singing. He performed Russian style dances on stage throughout his childhood. John, a US Army Veteran, wed Carole Kletch, also of Jersey City, in 1959, and followed through on his promise to "love her more today than yesterday and even more tomorrow." They were completely in love and adored each other - beginning and ending every day together with a kiss and “I love you myhoney”. John always said ‘Carole would give anyone the shirt right off MY back’. All of his life, he did exactly that.

John and Carole raised their family of 5 children in Secaucus next door to Carole’s parents Jean and Henry Kletch (Babci & Dziadzi) as well as Carole’s sister Helen and her husband Jack and their children, Ken, Rob and Susan. Summers were spent in the backyard by the pool with this large extended family and numerous friends. There was always a birthday party, BBQ or other celebration going on. Annual family vacations were enjoyed at the Jersey Shore and in recent years at ‘the penthouse’ in Wildwood with children and grandchildren. Family was always present. He was a loyal Yankees fan and since the invention of the VCR has not missed a single inning. He looked forward to bowling every Thursday night. His bowling Team (which included his son Jay Barna and his grandson Jay Tobin) took 1st Place this past June! Music brought him much joy. He maintained an extensive collection of radios and cassette tapes and in recent years worked hard to master Amazon music on his iphone, ipad and Bluetooth speaker. He was delighted to be able to access whatever song from the 40s and 50s popped into his head. Of course it was frustrating when Alexa did not respond to being called Alexis on occasion. But even then, if none of his dedicated ‘tech support’ crew was in the room, he only had to make a phone call and someone would come running to assist.

John was an Accountant for and then President of the American Bureau of Metal Statistics from which he retired in 1994. His first grandson, Sean was born a year later and Grandpa provided daycare to a mischievous toddler with whom he shared his love of music while playing outside and running errands including numerous trips to the bank for a lollipop.

During his retirement years, every day that the weather cooperated (being between 40 and 99 degrees), he enjoyed spending hours on the front porch, listening to music, reading the newspapers (Daily News…Sports Final preferred) and sipping Black Raspberry or Huckleberry sparkling ice.

He missed Carole dearly when she passed in January of 2020, and following her explicit instructions, their 5 children and 7 grandchildren were constantly with him, and ensured he was cared for, treasured and loved throughout his remaining days. This included waiting on him hand and foot and following a long list of specifications including pre-heating the plate before his ham and eggs went on it, ensuring his eggs over easy were broken only by the toast, chilling the glass before the ice cold beverage was poured and much more. His youngest daughter Linda was the master of delivering his meals according to carefully engineered specifications and always made sure to have an ‘emergency’ Black Raspberry flavored ice cream hidden in the freezer in case he served himself and she was unaware that the last carton was empty. His only son Jay ensured that Dad had everything he needed from any stores and made sure that his favorite hot dog chili from Boulevard Drinks in Journal Square was always on hand in the freezer. Jay accompanied him on a daily walk through the neighborhood or at the American Dream Mall when the weather did not cooperate. Jay and Dad also frequented JJs Hot Dogs and during vacations in Wildwood, the two would sneak away daily to The Seashell for homemade ice cream. Dad was very well aware of how much he was loved and we all knew that he had earned and deserved this treatment. We were happy to make him happy and so grateful for the time we had with him.

John and Carole remain loving and beautiful souls. Throughout their lives, they showered family with unconditional love and support and maintained many warm and enduring friendships. Everyone around them felt valued and welcome to share in whatever they had to offer. We are blessed to have had the most wonderful and amazing parents and only need to close our eyes to hear them singing in harmony: “Let Me Call You Sweetheart…I’m in love with you…”. They are forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 6, from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Mack Funeral Home in Secaucus. A repast will follow services Wednesday evening at the Families Home in Rutherford.