Louis Barresi

Louis J. Barresi, age 87 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. He was home, surrounded by his loving family when he passed. He had been a Wayne resident for fifty-eight years.

Lou had been a USDA inspector throughout his career.  After retiring from the USDA, he enjoyed a second career as a Quality Control inspector with Al & John, Inc. of West Caldwell, and retired from there about twelve years ago.

Lou grew up in Brooklyn, NY, on the border of Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst.  He graduated from New Utrecht High School and was a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, that is until the team left New York. He then turned his devotion to the New York Mets. He’s also an avid New York Giants fan.

In 1957, Lou was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in France for much of his first tour in the service. In 1961, the Army recalled him during the Berlin Crisis. Upon being discharged, Lou began his career with the USDA.

In 1956, Lou was introduced to Louisa Minetti.  They met at the Hollywood Terrace dance hall in Brooklyn, and they danced the night away. They hit it off and began dating regularly. Lou earned the nick-name ‘swivel hips’ and he soon proposed to Louisa.  They were married on May 3, 1958 and, since Lou was still in the U.S. Army at that time, they flew to France where they lived for the next nine months. Their honeymoon consisted of a lovely drive along the Riviera coast from France to Monaco and Italy! Over the years, they traveled throughout much of the United States, as well as to Italy, Hawaii, Bermuda, Aruba, and often enjoyed cruising. They have enjoyed a happy and fulfilling marriage, dedicated to each other. Lou often reminded Louisa of his devotion, telling her; “you got me.”

Lou was a great family man. Summer vacations were traditionally to the Jersey Shore and many great memories were made at LBI, Avalon, and Wildwood, where many rounds of mini-golf were played. Ironically, Lou didn’t like the beach or the sand, but he knew everyone else enjoyed it, and he was a good sport.  However, he was often the first one to leave the beach and head back to the house to relax by the much-preferred pool.  Time with his family was precious, and Lou was happiest being with all of them, wherever that may be.  His children recall how he seemed to be at every one of their dance recitals, sporting events, graduations, and every other occasion.  He was very supportive of them all, and especially of his grandchildren. He adored every one of them.

Lou was also a very humble and compassionate man, a true gentle soul. He loved golfing and often relaxed with the “Dunkin Crew,” his pals at Dunkin Donuts on Valley Rd., in Wayne. He was very proud to be a forty-year member of the Wayne Lions Club, having earned the prestigious Melvin Jones Award for service. He had a dry sense of humor and was know as “king of the one liners”.  He could deliver silly jokes that would often cause you to burst out loud with laughter. He was one of those people that you couldn’t help but love, and he will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

Lou is survived by his beloved wife of nearly sixty-three years; Louisa of Wayne, three daughters; Lisa Lorenzo and her husband Joe of Clifton, Diane Galbo and her husband Vincent of Park Ridge, and Andrea Piccirillo and her husband Andrew of Wayne, eight grandchildren; Danielle and her husband Michael, Stephanie and her husband Sam, Marissa and her husband Matthew, Vincent and his wife Jordan, Alyssa, Julianne and her fiancé Thomas, Andrew and Nicholas, and three great-grandchildren; Giulianna, Sofia, and Tyler, one brother-in-law; John Guccione, and a sister-in-law; Jeanette Minetti as well as many nieces and nephews.  Lou was predeceased by his sister; Tina Guccione, and by his brother-in-law; Paul Minetti.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation, PO Box 155, Stewartsville, NJ 08886, www.greenwichautismalliance.org, and the Wayne Lions Club, 782 Valley Rd., Wayne, NJ  07470.