Joseph T. Barron

Joseph T. Barron, a resident of Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, MD passed away on March 31, 2022 at the age of 99.  Born October 31 (Halloween), 1922 in Forest City, Joe was the youngest of 7 children of the late John and Mary Timko Baron.  He always said his lucky number was 7.  After graduating from Forest City High School, Joe moved to Yonkers, NY where he met his sweetheart, Terry Demko.  They met while singing in the St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church choir and their first date was a trip to Coney Island. 

Joe was a veteran of the US Army having served overseas in World War II as a Technical Sergeant.  He received the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, The American Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Ribbon.  In March 2016, he was honored by the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution for his service.  He was also a member of the American Legion.  In 2017, he participated in the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklore Center where his interview and memorabilia will be part of its permanent collection.

Joe and Terry were married in September 1945 and lived in NY and PA before settling in Linden, NJ.  In addition to working for the US Army’s Raritan Arsenal in Edison, NJ, Joe took a second job as Cantor and Choir Director at St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in Linden where he was given the title of Professor Barron.  The choir was honored to sing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC as well as at the Vatican pavilion at the NY World’s Fair.

Upon the closure of Raritan Arsenal, Joe transferred to the US Army’s Picatinny Arsenal in Wharton, NJ where he became a Federal Investigator in the Legal Department.  While at Picatinny, he formed and directed an acapella choir.  Joe and Terry enjoyed bowling and joined a traveling league which competed across the country although they thought of it as more social than competitive. 

In 1980, Joe retired from the Arsenal but continued with his Cantor position until 1988 when he and Terry moved to Spring Hill, FL.  They began a new chapter in their retirement years, making many new friends along the way. They were active in the New Jersey Club and the Knights of Columbus, where Joe was a Fourth Degree Knight. They were avid travelers who enjoyed trips to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska as well as taking over 20 cruises.  While in Florida, Joe was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel for his contributions and special achievements.

In 2014, Joe moved to Riderwood Village.  He enjoyed taking walks and having dinner with good friends and neighbors as well as telling jokes and stories.  One of his favorite stories to tell was his trip to the Jersey Shore at Seaside Heights where he purchased a single 50 cent chance on a dark blue Lincoln Continental Mark V which he won!  He kept the car for many years and carried in his wallet the newspaper clipping detailing his win.

Although 99 years old, Joe always attended weekly church services.  He was a devout Catholic with a very strong faith.   He is survived by his loving children:  Joann Barron, Gary and his wife Janice Barron, and Corinne and her husband Rich Japko, as well as his two cherished grandchildren, Eric Barron and Renee Barron.

 He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Terry, who passed in 2013.  He is also preceded in death by his six siblings, Michael Baron, Mary Baron, John Baron, Emil Barran, Paul Barran and Anna Baron Kosciow.   

He was loved by many and his family will greatly miss their “Joey”, Dad, and Papa Joe.

The funeral will be Monday, April 11th with services at 10:30 am in Saint John Byzantine Catholic Church, Susquehanna Street, Forest City.  Interment with military honors will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Dundaff St., Forest City.  Friends may call at the church on Monday from 10 am until service time.  Arrangements by the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main Street, Forest City.

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