Barney Massarsky

Barney Massarsky. Husband to Sally Israel Massarsky, father to Joyce Summer and Alan Massarsky, World War II veteran and for many years active in Northern New Jersey’s Jewish community, died on Friday, April 22nd in Parkland, FL.

He was born on October 13, 1919 and was 96 years old. He was married for 34 years to his first wife, the former Shirley Lesser, who died in 1982, and was married for another 32 years to the former Sally Israel who survives him. Sally was very devoted to Barney and a wonderful companion to him in his later years.

At the end of the war, Barney and his young family returned to Hoboken, where they resided and had a business for many years. He later became a partner in Freed’s, a restaurant in Englewood Cliffs that was one of the first discotheques in the country. And later still, he and Shirley were the proprietors of the Brookchester Spa in New Milford. There, together with Jean Nidetch whose office was a floor above, they created a special menu for the nascent diet company that became known as Weight Watchers International.

Barney’s Father was a founding member of United Synagogue of Hoboken and together father and son built the table that holds the Torahs to this day at that synagogue. It was dedicated to Barney’s mother Sarah. Barney and Shirley were also co-founders of the Paramus Jewish Community Center and supporters of the New Milford Jewish Center. In later years with Sally at Aston Gardens in Parkland, Florida, both were very active in the Jewish community and in the Glee Club. Barney had a beautiful voice.

Barney is also survived by his son-in-law, Gordon Summer, daughter-in-law Orah Massarsky, grandchildren, Todd and Glenn Summer and Dana Massarsky, Glenn’s wife Bonnie, his extended family, Maxine Israel and spouse Gren, Renee Pepper and husband Howard, their children, Jennifer Starr, Jessica Starr and Derk, Melissa Auerbach and Jay, Michael Auerbach and Amanda, Meredith Bruckman and Todd. And Barney’s 8 Great Grandchildren who called him GG Barney, loved him, and all will miss him greatly.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, April 26th at 1pm at Gutterman and Musicant, 402 Park Street, Hackensack to be followed by a religious and military burial at King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton.

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We at Gutterman and Musicant wish to express our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the mourners for your support during this difficult time.