Obituary of Donald W Barney

BARNEY, Donald W., Sr. (fondly known as Don,) age 80, of Franklin Lakes, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021. Don was predeceased by his loving wife of forty six years, Diane in 2009 and his devoted grandson, Shawn in 2012. He leaves behind his five children: his son, Donald Jr. and wife, Kerry, his daughter, Allison (White,) his daughter, Kerry (Eckert,) his son, Mark and wife, Dana, and his daughter, Kate and husband, Jason. He was adored by his many grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Peter and Leanne Eckert, her fiance, Brian, and their daughter, Lucy, Trevor and Baylee White, Derek, Madeline, Corinne, and Annelise Barney, Jonah, Alex, Markus, Lukas, and Sophia Barney, Rosalee, John, Westford, and Hollis Butler. He cherished the relationships he had with his children and grandchildren and will be missed by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Hackensack to Ted and Irene Barney, Don graduated from Hackensack High School. He attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA where he completed his studies in five years with an MS in Business and Finance and was self taught for the CPA exam which he passed shortly thereafter. With an offer from DuPont Chemicals in Delaware, he and his beloved bride, Diane started a family. Once back in New Jersey, Don was employed for a short time with American Cyanamid. It was in 1969, that he embarked on the thirty year career of his dreams as Tax Director and Treasurer for Union Camp. He was well regarded as an exemplary employee until his retirement in 1999. His interest in finance led to a Board membership with Hilltop Bank. In 1981, he joined the real estate trust his father had founded, serving on the Board of Trustees for First Real Estate Investment Trust of New Jersey. He was named President and remained involved until his retirement in 2018. He was committed to hard work and loved doing his taxes. Donald lived a full and beautiful life. His passion for traveling and adventure extended to his family and grandchildren. He loved sharing in their accomplishments, watching their sports competitions, and joining them for hikes, meals, or weekends in LBI. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed traveling with his family to the Canadian Rockies, the Virgin Islands and Italy, and a cruise on the European River. His second home in Warren, VT was a welcome respite where he enjoyed making lasting memories with his family. He was respected for his philanthropic work; donating to many causes near and dear to his heart. He will be missed immensely by his family, friends and former business associates. Visitation is planned on Friday, September 3, 2021 from 4-8 pm at Oakland Memorial Home, 330 Ramapo Valley Road, Oakland, NJ. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Donald’s memory to the charity of your choice