Edward Anthony Barbieri

Edward Anthony Barbieri, 81, of Wayne, NJ, passed away February 18, 2021.
Born in Paterson to Carmine Barbieri and Theresa (nee Talerman) Barbieri, Ed was raised in Totowa Boro, where he spent his days playing sports and exploring the undeveloped lands around Totowa Road. While in Totowa, Ed made many friends in grammar school that would remain close friends to this day. He lived in a house with his parents, sister, his grandparents along with their fourteen children. Their youngest child was three years older than Eddie and they became best friends and more like brothers, sharing interests and friends throughout their lives.
Ed graduated from Passaic Valley High School where he excelled in cross country and basketball; he earned First Team All-County Awards in both sports. He remained so close to his teammates that his children and grandchildren know them by name and understand what a special place they held in his heart.
He also excelled academically. After graduating Passaic Valley High School, Ed pursued an undergraduate and graduate degree in Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ. His Master’s Degree was in Metallurgy, a field that was so new to the world that there was not a test for licensure, a story Ed’s family heard many times.
Following his Master’s, Ed met and married Carolann (nee Davis) Barbieri- his wife of nearly 58 years. Ed was Carolann’s protector and provider. They shared the same sense of humor and were a loving example of  married and family life for their children and spouses.
Ed was an avid sports fan who regularly watched football, basketball, and baseball. He attended baseball and basketball games with his sons and attended Giants and Big East games with his Uncle Rocco and childhood friends. When he became a grandfather, he always made sure to be there for their soccer games, football games, basketball games, lacrosse games and tennis  matches. These were his favorite games to attend and he always had words of advice and encouragement after each game and match.
After his retirement, he regularly spent time with his childhood friends playing cards and going out to dinner with his wife and family. He also enjoyed hosting Sunday dinners for his kids and grandkids. You could be sure to get a weekly reminder asking if you would be attending!
Ed was the happiest when he was doing something- especially when it was helping someone else. Whether it was giving someone a ride, helping with homework, babysitting, or just enjoying a cup of coffee- he was happiest in the company of family and friends. He will forever be remembered for his love, honesty, advice, and humor. He could tell you things about each of his grandkids that would make you think each was his favorite and the thing was, they all were his favorite…the thing was, we were ALL his favorite.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Carolann (nee Davis) Barbieri, cherished children, Laura Rizzo and her husband, Dominick, Michael Barbieri and his wife, Katherine and Matthew Barbieri and his wife, Cara. Ed is also survived by his treasured grandchildren, Anton Rizzo, Nicholas Barbieri, Payton Barbieri, Carson Barbieri and Derek Barbieri and beloved uncles, Rocco Barbieri and his wife, Gloria and Ronald Barbieri. Ed leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who became family. Ed is predeceased by his beloved parents, Carmine Barbieri and Theresa (nee Talerman) Barbieri and adored sister, Gabriella (nee Barbieri) Voltarelli and her husband, Anthony Voltarelli.
Family and friends are welcome to gather on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 2-6 pm at Gaita Memorial Home, 154 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls. A Wake Service will be held by Father Peter Wells from Our Lady of the Valley, Wayne at 5:30 pm during visitation hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at www.stjude.org or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886 or online at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org Donations envelopes will be available at the funeral home for your convenience.