Obituary of Frank Barlow

Edward Franklin Barlow, known to his loved ones as Frank, passed away peacefully at his home in Toms River on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 81.

Frank is survived by his two daughters, Sheila Eckert, and her husband Dan, Linda Parisi and one son, Wayne Barlow, and his wife Sandra; one sister, Norma Jean Ashby; and his six grandchildren, Alexis, Blake, Megan, Griffin, Nicole, and Krysta. Frank was a devoted father and the proudest grandfather.

Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 30 years, Helen Barlow (nee Britton), and his siblings Buster, Wiley, Ivan, and Barbara.

Frank was born on June 8, 1941, in War, West Virginia, to William Ray and Zena Naomi Barlow. He grew up in a coal-mining community with his five siblings, where he learned the value of hard work and resourcefulness. Frank was a man with a strong moral compass, innovative spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family.

After hitchhiking all around the country in his late teens looking for work, Frank eventually moved to New Jersey where he met his wife, Helen. They settled in Carteret to raise their children. Frank worked tirelessly as the head of building maintenance at Continental Can Co. in Carteret, for over 35 years, where he was responsible for maintaining and repairing the critical mechanical infrastructure and systems of the fiber drum manufacturing plant.

After retirement, Frank lived in Summit and Madison before moving to Toms River ten years ago. Frank was an active and productive person throughout his life. He enjoyed his daily walks, bike rides in the neighborhood, and an elaborate exercise routine. He also loved woodworking, home projects, and custom car modifications. He had a special place in his heart for his dogs, especially his beloved Sparky.

Frank had a generous heart and was always willing to help others in need. He had a keen sense of when someone required assistance and went out of his way to help neighbors by cutting their lawns, bringing them groceries, and being their handyman. Frank was the epitome of a good Samaritan, always there to lend a helping hand, willing to give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it.

Frank had a deep appreciation and zest for life and never took anything for granted. Above all, he truly appreciated and loved his family.

Although Frank's passing leaves a void that will never be filled, his family takes solace in knowing he is at peace. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ. A funeral service for Frank will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home during the visitation.

Interment will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Rosehill Cemetery, 792 East Edgar Road, Linden, NJ 07036.

Charitable contributions may be made in Frank's memory to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.