Barbara Ann Pacca

Barbara Ann Pacca (nee Spataro) age 79 of Oak Ridge and Jupiter, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.

Barbara was born in Passaic and raised in Clifton, graduated from Clifton High School with the class of 1959. Following her graduation from high school, Barbara attended the Paterson State Teacher’s College, which is now known as William Paterson University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1963, then earned her Teaching Certificate. Barbara’s first position as a teacher was at Clifton Elementary School #2. She worked at School #2 for two years, and it was here that she met her husband, Robert Pacca. As fate would have it, they fell in love and were married on July 10, 1965 at St Philip’s RC Church in Clifton.

The couple settled in Clifton and lived there for five years. After starting their family, Barbara decided that she would put any career opportunities on hold and raise her children full-time. During her time as a homemaker, she also furthered her education, attending school part-time at night, and whenever she could find the time. She eventually earned her Master’s Degree in 1969. Soon after earning her Master’s Degree, she went back into the workplace and earned a position at Wayne Country Day School, which included grades one through three. Barbara worked there for approximately three years. Barbara’s next employment opportunity was a position as a teacher with the Montville Board of Education. It was here Barbara would work for the next 29 years until her retirement in 2002.

Barbara and Robert attended church regularly at many different parishes. Barbara was very devoted to her Catholic Faith. One of the things that Barbara and Robert truly enjoyed together was traveling. Together, the two of them traveled to just about every corner of the world except the Far East. Some of their most memorable trips together included a tour across South America, Europe, and Cuba. Following Barbara and Robert’s retirement, they purchased a home in Florida where they would spend their winters. Aside from all of Barbara’s talents and interests, her greatest passion was for her family, nothing meant more to Barbara than spending time with her family. As a teacher, Barbara touched the lives of many children, and as a person touched the lives of many others. She was an extraordinary person who will be sincerely missed by all who knew her.

Barbara is survived by one son; Robert Pacca, Jr and his wife Kirsten of Mystic, CT, a daughter; Debra Barmore and her husband David of Roxbury, NJ, and four grandchildren; Kaitlyn and Jocelyn Barmore, and Michael and Abigail Pacca. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert, in 2021.

Those planning an expression of sympathy in Barbara’s name are asked to consider National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016. www.kidney.org/donate