"...and off I go!!"
Donald Barnes, age 81, of Tinton Falls, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Riverview Medical Center. Raised in Maplewood, he lived in Oceanport prior to moving to Tinton Falls four years ago. Donald was a Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Army during the war. He was a Pension Actuary who last served as Vice President of the Pension Boards at United Church of Christ. Donald was also an active member of The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury. He volunteered for the Jaycees and Habitat Restore.
Donald always thought of other people and would often use humor and love to help people through difficult situations. He would not hesitate to put someone else's needs before his, and he never met a stranger. He went out of his way to bring a smile to whoever was around him, even if it meant telling one of his "dad jokes" or anecdotes.
He is survived by Katherine Maslo, his wife of seven years; daughters Neely Barnes of Shelby Township, MI and Jaclyn (Frank) Wesley of State College, PA; and one granddaughter, Brittany Keeler, of State College, PA. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Cyndi) Barnes and Gordon (Linda) Barnes; sister, Barbara Petersen; and many nieces and nephews. Donald was also blessed with love by his stepdaughters Christine (John) Weighell and Karen (Christopher) Paglia; and their children Austin Paglia, Allison Paglia, Ryan Paglia, and Abigail Weighell. He was preceded in death by Carol Barnes, his wife of 46 years; Benjamin and Laura Barnes, his parents; and Bryce Barnes, his brother.
A memorial service celebrating Donald's life is planned for July 6, 2024, at The Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury. Private services will be held under the direction of Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank, NJ.