Obituary of Samuel R. Barbagallo

Sam Barbagallo, age 98, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025.  A longtime resident of Paramus, N.J. and Stony Point, N.Y. and more recently of Mahwah, N.J., Sam was born and raised by his parents Alfred and Ann in North Bergen, N.J along with his brother Anthony and sisters Vera and Marie. Sam graduated from North Bergen High School and New York University School of Commerce.  After high school, Sam immediately enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Army.  He served as a Financial Analyst in Germany from 1945 to 1947.  After military service, Sam attended NYU.  Sam joined Lever Brothers on Park Avenue in NYC after college graduation where he worked until retirement. Sam was a regular for decades on the Route 17 bus from Paramus to Port Authority.  While at Lever Brothers, Sam worked his way up through the ranks and was instrumental in operational logistics and planning of Lever detergents. Sam married the love of his life Barbara in 1957.  He loved to tell the story that Barbara was being courted by several suitors and she chose him!  He always felt very fortunate to have been the one chosen!  Sam and Barbara raised their three children in the home they built in Paramus in 1958.  Sam and Barbara loved to host summer family barbecues, especially on 4^th of July.  They had a pool in their yard and felt that added to the family fun.  They always made everyone feel welcome and created a joyous atmosphere. Sam was devoted to the happiness of his family and loved multi-generational family gatherings.  Sam was so happy to add a golden retriever (Brandy) to the family.  Sam spent many hours with his dog playing in the yard and taking walks.  Later in life when Sam slowed down, he took great pleasure in looking at photos and videos of his children, grandchildren and great grandson.  This activity kept him current with the family travels, hobbies, and special events and brought joy to him as well as the family.  Sam was predeceased by his wife Barbara in 2009 and son Matthew in 2024. Sam is survived by his son Jim (wife Beth), daughter Lynn Bentzen (husband Tom), four grandchildren and one great grandson. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held at Nazare Memorial Home, Inc, 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, beginning at 8:30 AM.  Then to Sacred Heart Church, where at 10 AM a funeral mass will be offered.  Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to the NJ Sharing Network. You may express condolences by using our tribute wall.