A distinguished World War II veteran and proud lifelong Long Branch resident, Charles “Charlie” Barbara personified the Greatest Generation through his work ethic, adventurous spirit, and devotion to his family. Charlie passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 10, 2018.
He was born on March 23, 1927 in Long Branch where he lived and attended school. He was proud to enlist in the army and serve in World War II from 1944 to 1945. Following the war, he worked as head of maintenance at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal until the 1960’s.
In 1968, Charlie established Charlie Barbara Tennis Court Construction Company. The company became renowned throughout the state of New Jersey for producing elite championship caliber clay and all-weather courts, predominantly in Deal and Rumson. The business was extremely successful and is America’s oldest preeminent tennis court design, construction, surfacing, and maintenance company.
Charlie was a beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend and who carried with him a tremendous love for his family. He loved roller skating, Atlantic City and traveling to his winter home in Orlando, Florida where the weather was perfect for as many rounds of golf as he could play. He enjoyed traveling and had amazing adventures seeing the world with his beloved wife, Mary. Charlie was cherished by many throughout the great city of Long Branch and could be seen holding court at his favorite spot, the Ocean View Bakery in the afternoon at lunch.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, James and Antoinette Barbara; his wife, Mary Barbara; sisters, Rose Dolecki, Grace DeRogatis and Angelina Barbara and brothers-in-law, Raymond Mancini and Lawrence DeRogatis.
He is survived by his loving sisters, Mary Jane Scalpati and Eleanor Mancini; brother, Samuel Barbara; brother-in-law, Frank Scalpati and sister-in-law, Joy Barbara.
Although Charlie never had any children, he is survived by many nieces and nephews whom he treated as his own: Raymond Mancini, Patricia Catanzaro, Nancy Mancini, Mary Ann Scaccia, Frank Scaccia, Jim DeRogatis, Larry DeRogatis, Lee Parker, Dana Walsh, Frank Scalpati, Cindy Scianimanico, Rose Ann Scalpati, Ron Dolecki, and Lenny Dolecki. He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 11 am to 1 pm Friday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 882 Broadway, West Long Branch with entombment following at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.