Obituary of Barbara A Pinto

Barbara Pinto of Basking Ridge peacefully entered eternal life on December 10, 2024 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous 3 year battle with breast cancer.  

Barbara was born on February 20, 1940 to Anne and Ralph DiLauro in the Bronx, NY.  She spent her happy childhood in Queens, and graduated from  W.C. Bryant High School in 1957.  After high school, she worked as a secretary at Dan River, Inc. in Manhattan.  She enjoyed working and spending time with friends in the city. 

In 1960, Barbara married the love of her life, Peter.  They spent the next several years living and raising their three children in Flushing, NY, close to Barbara’s in-laws and parents.  In 1972, they followed professional opportunities and moved to Basking Ridge, remaining in that home for 52 years.  Family, church, and community were everything to Barbara. She loved being a stay-at-home mom and active parishioner in St. James Church where she NEVER missed Mass and  enjoyed volunteering at various functions in the church and school. She loved spending time with her children, entertaining at home and socializing often with her many friends.  Dinner party clubs, Tripoli card games, and New Year’s Eve parties with neighbors and many friends were always a highlight, as well as birthday, sacraments, and graduation parties for the kids.  Barbara enjoyed playing tennis, gardening, and extensive traveling. 

When her youngest child was in 8th grade, Barbara went back to work as an Administrative Assistant and Purolator Courier in Bernardsville and later at Sandoz Pharmaceuticals in East Hanover. She also enjoyed working at her nephew’s law firm in Short Hills whenever he needed her expertise.  As time went on, Barbara became a supportive mother-in-law to 3 and a grandmother to 8 grandchildren who loved spending time with her, especially enjoying her root-beer floats and any other treat that was always ready for them. 

After retirement, Barbara started a craft group of about 13 women who met at her home every Monday to work on crafts and enjoy each other’s friendship. The crafts soon took a backseat, as hours of conversation strengthened the beautiful friendships and support that sustained Barbara and her friends through the ups and downs of life.

Barbara had a passion for singing and later in life joined a singing group called “Notables.” These women practiced together, built deep friendships, and performed at different venues around New Jersey.  The Notables sang a wide variety of songs from different genres, providing comfort and entertainment to senior citizens, community centers, and any place that could use a lift.  Every year, they provided scholarships to 2 high school graduates who planned on pursuing music in higher education.  

Barbara’s greatest joy was being surrounded by her family with good food, great fun, and lots of laughter.  She always provided her advice, insights, and wisdom, always through the lens of keeping her family healthy and happy. During the last weeks of life, Barbara said that she will continue that and we should look for signs from her.  She admitted that she wasn’t sure how it all works, but she knew it was possible due to her unwavering faith.

Barabara is predeceased by her husband, Peter.  Barbara is survived by her children Celia Fasciano (John), Matthew Pinto, Linda Wittmann (Matthew); her grandchildren Chris, Andrea (Joseph), John, Peter, Sam, Theo, Charlie, and Dominic (deceased); her sister Marilyn Schulz, Brother in law and Sister in law Rich and Julie Chitos, and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.  

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, 11:00am at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Barbara Pinto’s name to: Notables Singers, 23 Canterbury Way, Morristown, NJ 07960 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com