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August 22, 2026
Services
All funeral services will be held privately.
Barry Michael LaVorgna, age 80, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Barry was the beloved and only child of Gilbert and Ruth LaVorgna. After spending a short time in Hackensack, his family moved to Totowa, where Barry grew up and attended Don Bosco Technical High School. A gifted and accomplished athlete, Barry excelled in several sports, including basketball, track and field, and cross country. As a member of the varsity basketball team and a standout distance runner, he made his mark on the athletic program, setting a New Jersey record in cross country that stood for many years. Barry graduated with the Class of 1968.
Following high school, Barry attended Montclair State College, where he pursued his lifelong love of art. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as his teaching certification. He quickly began his professional career as an art teacher at St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Montville. Although he found fulfillment in education, Barry soon chose to pursue new opportunities in the business world.
Barry played an important role in the opening of Valley Ford Card Dealership in Westwood, New Jersey, where his natural leadership abilities and exceptional people skills quickly led him to become General Manager. He remained with Valley Ford for more than two decades before continuing his career with several other automobile dealerships, including Acura of Ramsey. Barry retired approximately ten years ago but was soon invited to return on a part-time basis at the reception desk; a position perfectly suited to his warm personality and remarkable ability to connect with others.
Always willing to serve his community, Barry was also a proud member of the Passaic County Sheriff's Office CERT Team, where he received training focused on emergency preparedness, life-saving skills, safety, and teamwork, allowing volunteers to assist and respond with confidence during times of crisis.
Barry was a lifelong and, as his family would lovingly describe him, sometimes “tortured” New York Jets fan. His devotion to the team was unwavering, and for many years he proudly held season tickets. Through all the ups and downs, Barry remained loyal to his beloved Jets.
On October 5, 1968, Barry married his high school sweetheart, Jean Veronese, at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson. Their marriage was the beginning of a beautiful life together that spanned nearly 58 years. The couple initially lived in Paterson, where they welcomed their only child, Louise. They later moved to Totowa, where they purchased their first home, before relocating to Wayne. Twenty-two years ago, Barry and Jean settled in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, where they have remained ever since.
Throughout his life, Barry never lost his passion for art. He continued to paint frequently, expressing his creativity through both watercolor and oil paintings. In his spare time, he also enjoyed freshwater fishing and appreciated the quiet moments it provided.
Above all else, however, Barry's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was lovingly known throughout his family as “The Pop.” His presence was a source of comfort, laughter, and love, and the memories he created with those closest to him will be treasured forever. Barry also loved and eagerly looked forward to his traditional Sunday afternoon pasta meal each week.
Barry was also devoted to his Catholic faith, which remained an important part of his life. Easygoing and naturally funny, he had a wonderful way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. He especially enjoyed traveling with Jean, often taking trips that he had earned through his work over the years to destinations including Las Vegas, Detroit, and Atlantic City. He also cherished the years spent laughing, and making memories with Jean, family, and their close-knit group of friends from their high school days.
Barry Michael LaVorgna was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of his family and friends.
Barry is survived by his wife Jean LaVorgna (Veronese) of Wayne, NJ, his daughter Louise Lichtenberger and her husband Ron of Wayne, NJ, two grandchildren; Lindsey Lichtenberger of Wayne, NJ and Ryan Lichtenberger of Hope, NJ, and one great grandchild, Leah Reynoso of Wayne, NJ.
All funeral services will be held privately.
Those wishing to make a donation in Barry's name are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
All funeral services will be held privately.
August 22, 2026
Services
All funeral services will be held privately.
Barry Michael LaVorgna, age 80, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Born in Hackensack, New Jersey, Barry was the beloved and only child of Gilbert and Ruth LaVorgna. After spending a short time in Hackensack, his family moved to Totowa, where Barry grew up and attended Don Bosco Technical High School. A gifted and accomplished athlete, Barry excelled in several sports, including basketball, track and field, and cross country. As a member of the varsity basketball team and a standout distance runner, he made his mark on the athletic program, setting a New Jersey record in cross country that stood for many years. Barry graduated with the Class of 1968.
Following high school, Barry attended Montclair State College, where he pursued his lifelong love of art. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as his teaching certification. He quickly began his professional career as an art teacher at St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Montville. Although he found fulfillment in education, Barry soon chose to pursue new opportunities in the business world.
Barry played an important role in the opening of Valley Ford Card Dealership in Westwood, New Jersey, where his natural leadership abilities and exceptional people skills quickly led him to become General Manager. He remained with Valley Ford for more than two decades before continuing his career with several other automobile dealerships, including Acura of Ramsey. Barry retired approximately ten years ago but was soon invited to return on a part-time basis at the reception desk; a position perfectly suited to his warm personality and remarkable ability to connect with others.
Always willing to serve his community, Barry was also a proud member of the Passaic County Sheriff's Office CERT Team, where he received training focused on emergency preparedness, life-saving skills, safety, and teamwork, allowing volunteers to assist and respond with confidence during times of crisis.
Barry was a lifelong and, as his family would lovingly describe him, sometimes “tortured” New York Jets fan. His devotion to the team was unwavering, and for many years he proudly held season tickets. Through all the ups and downs, Barry remained loyal to his beloved Jets.
On October 5, 1968, Barry married his high school sweetheart, Jean Veronese, at St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson. Their marriage was the beginning of a beautiful life together that spanned nearly 58 years. The couple initially lived in Paterson, where they welcomed their only child, Louise. They later moved to Totowa, where they purchased their first home, before relocating to Wayne. Twenty-two years ago, Barry and Jean settled in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, where they have remained ever since.
Throughout his life, Barry never lost his passion for art. He continued to paint frequently, expressing his creativity through both watercolor and oil paintings. In his spare time, he also enjoyed freshwater fishing and appreciated the quiet moments it provided.
Above all else, however, Barry's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was lovingly known throughout his family as “The Pop.” His presence was a source of comfort, laughter, and love, and the memories he created with those closest to him will be treasured forever. Barry also loved and eagerly looked forward to his traditional Sunday afternoon pasta meal each week.
Barry was also devoted to his Catholic faith, which remained an important part of his life. Easygoing and naturally funny, he had a wonderful way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. He especially enjoyed traveling with Jean, often taking trips that he had earned through his work over the years to destinations including Las Vegas, Detroit, and Atlantic City. He also cherished the years spent laughing, and making memories with Jean, family, and their close-knit group of friends from their high school days.
Barry Michael LaVorgna was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him. He will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of his family and friends.
Barry is survived by his wife Jean LaVorgna (Veronese) of Wayne, NJ, his daughter Louise Lichtenberger and her husband Ron of Wayne, NJ, two grandchildren; Lindsey Lichtenberger of Wayne, NJ and Ryan Lichtenberger of Hope, NJ, and one great grandchild, Leah Reynoso of Wayne, NJ.
All funeral services will be held privately.
Those wishing to make a donation in Barry's name are asked to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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