James Victor Barbito, known affectionately as “Jim” or “Jimmy” to many, passed away on December 10, 2023.

A man of many hats, Jimmy worked for 26 years as a police officer in the city of Newark. He joined the police department with the goal of providing a safer environment for the citizens of Newark by incarcerating the city’s criminals. He served in several divisions: patrol, traffic, identification, investigative and mounted. He was a police firearms instructor and senior officer in the prisoner detention bureau. He was awarded numerous citations and commendations from both police and civilian authorities. Jimmy also worked for 30 years as director of security for Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company and 21 years as director of security for Columbus Hospital. Additionally, he did security work for St. Benedict’s Preparatory School and UBS. He also enjoyed working at his own business, Hunter’s Den, which was in Unadilla, NY. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and the NRA.  Out of all of his many jobs, Jimmy’s favorite and most important duty was that of a devoted family man. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally, giving everything to protect and honor them all throughout his 79 years of life.

Beloved as a husband, a father, a grandfather, son, brother and friend, Jimmy is predeceased by his mother, Theresa (nee Bongiovanni) Polifrone, his father Victor Barbito, his brother William Barbito and his stepfather, Michael Polifrone.

James leaves behind an extensive family, including but not limited to his wife of 56 years Barbara (nee Paciga) Barbito, his daughters, Kimberly Eubanks, Lauralyn Sasso and her husband Frank Sasso, and his doting grandchildren, Barbara, Jimmy, Mia, and Evan.

Jimmy’s creative and artistic nature has been inherited by his grandchildren, Barbara, Jimmy, and Mia. Evan shares his love of and interest in History. Jimmy had a way with words, and he often made people laugh, especially Gloria, his wife’s Aunt. Jimmy had an affinity and a love for Disney and took his whole family on many memorable trips to Walt Disney World throughout the course of his life.

He will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who love him.

We welcome family and friends to join us for the memorial at the Calhoun-Mania funeral home from 4-8PM on Thursday December 14th. Funeral services are on Friday December 15th at 10:30AM St Mary’s Church Rutherford. Interment following at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Jimmy’s name.