Michael J. Barbato, Sr. passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Hackensack University Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was 79 years old.

Born on June 3, 1945 in Perth Amboy to the late Esther and Michael A. Barbato, he has resided in the Port Reading section of Woodbridge Township for the last 44 years.

Michael was a United States Army Veteran serving from 1965-1967 in the Infantry Division as a Mortar expert and Rifle Badge Sharpshooter.

Mike was employed with the Woodbridge Police Department for 25 years before retiring as a narcotics detective in 2005. He was a wonderful friend and colleague to all he worked with.  He took immense pride in being a police officer and was so happy that his legacy would continue with this son and grandson.

Michael was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. There was nothing he would not do for his family. He always put his family first. His greatest joy came from the life and family he built with his precious wife, Darlene. His family could turn to him for a word of advice, a laugh, or a loving conversation.  As a dad, he was the best anyone could ask for.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to crack jokes.  He had a way about him that made everyone he encountered feel like they knew him forever. Before Michael was a Police Officer he was employed as a tool and Dye maker and loved talking shop with his oldest grandson. He loved spending time fishing, watching Marvel movies, attending little league games, watching the kids play in concerts, going to cheer competitions and enjoying family vacations. He never missed any special events in his grandchildren's lives because that was what he lived for. He was ALWAYS their biggest fan!  Mike was a huge New York Yankees fan and nothing would stop him from watching the games.

He was a communicant of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Port Reading; belonged to Policemen's Benevolent Association Local #38, Woodbridge and the Police Honor Legion; and was a member and past president of N.J.N.E.O.A., a member of the New Jersey State Retired Police and Fireman's Association, and The Italian American Police Society of New Jersey.

Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Darlene Hutchens Barbato; children, Michael J. Barbato, Jr. and his wife, Catherine and Jennifer Barbato and her fiancé, Brian Hawkins; his beloved and adored grandchildren, Brandon, Michael III, Matthew, Cecylia, Sophia and Emily and numerous family and friends.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 9:30 a.m. from Costello-Greiner Funeral Home, 44 Green Street, Woodbridge. A Funeral liturgy will follow at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Port Reading. Cremation will be private. Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions Wounded Warriors Project in Mr. Barbato's memory would be greatly appreciated by his family.