George Edward Barker

George Edward Barker, 80, a lifetime resident of Elizabeth, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in 1944, to a close-knit family of 4 in Elizabeth. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1962, serving as an interior communications engineer aboard the USS O’Hare until 1967. His service was marked by incredible achievements, including earning the Order of Magellan, Golden Dragon, and Shellback certificates, allowing him to see the world and forge lifelong memories as a young man.

After his time in the Navy, George devoted his life to his family, faith, and community. A deeply loving husband, he shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with Diane Barker. Together, they raised four children; instilling in them the values of integrity, generosity, and hard work.

While his children were growing up, George was an active and respected member of St. Catherine’s of Sienna Church and School in Elizabeth and served as a Boy Scout leader, inspiring young minds with his wisdom and dedication.

Professionally, George’s career was marked by his expertise in technology.  He worked for Burroughs/Unisys for 25 years as a mainframe computer technician. He went on to work as the Data Processing Programming Supervisor for the Elizabeth Police Department, where his contributions were invaluable and retired in 2019.

George cherished the simple joys of life—spending time with his family and exploring his passion for genealogy. Those who knew him will remember his love of history and current events, his resilience, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

George is survived by his wife, Diane Barker, children Robert (Stacie) Barker, Karen Barker, Linda (Claudio) De Gori and David Barker (Nicole Moldovan), brother John (Mary) Barker, his grandchildren Ethan Trisker, Nicolas De Gori, and Cassandra De Gori, as well as many nieces and nephews. George will be deeply missed but fondly remembered. George is predeceased by his parents Benjamin and Anna Barker and sisters Mary (Jack) Klug, and Joan Nadler.

A viewing will be held at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals O’Connell Chapel, Bayville, New Jersey on Saturday December 7th from 1PM to 4PM followed by the service at 4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, in honor of George’s journey with the condition. http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/George_Barker

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com 

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