Barbara Carroll Van Alstyne

Born and raised in Mariners Harbor, Barbara (O’Neil) Van Alstyne was a beloved mom, sister, aunt, mentor, and friend. She passed away peacefully at home on July 30th surrounded by loved ones and filled with faith and a generous spirit to the very end.

Known by her nickname “Bobbie” most of her life, she graduated from Port Richmond High School and worked at Procter & Gamble. She fell in love with a cute boy (Richard “Dick” Van Alstyne) who worked across the street, and eventually they married and moved to Liberty, NY to follow their dreams.

They had two sons, bought some land and developed the Youngs Hill neighborhood. A mother and housewife extraordinaire, Bobbie fully supported her husband’s seemingly “crazy” ideas, including the building of the 40’ tall, 120 bulb-lit, Liberty Star. This star was visible from miles away, and the lighting of it became a beloved holiday tradition for the region. More than 50 years later, this icon of hope and joy still shines brightly.

Later, as a single parent, she worked for Permacel in NJ where a mentor suggested that Bobbie had much more to offer the world. Following her advice, Bobbie went on to become the office manager for Staff Builders, a temporary employment agency. By the time she retired, she owned a large multi-million-dollar temp agency specializing in nurse staffing. Besides employing just about everyone in her family at one point or another, Bobbie was a gifted mentor and helped nurture the careers of countless employees who would then move on to follow their own dreams.

Bobbie was a great believer in volunteering, and a passionate supporter of the arts. She served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross and also as President of the Board for the Institute for Arts and Humanities Education in New Brunswick, NJ. When she moved into Park Lane at Seaview, she couldn’t resist helping anywhere there was a need. It could be sorting mail, helping organize events or committees, or baking and delivering brownies to her friends at the height of the pandemic. Anything she could do to foster community and spread a bit of cheer became her mission.

Her sewing and cooking talents are legendary, but Bobbie also enjoyed many other crafts including pottery, painting, jewelry making and stained glass to name just a few.

While she had a full career and life, nothing was more important to Bobbie than her family and friends. Her generosity, humor, optimism, and love overflowed. A constant faith gave her the strength to overcome unimaginable loss and physical challenges. Yet even the darkest moments could not cloud her indomitable spirit, and her attitude was always, “I am so lucky!”

Bobbie is survived by her son Chris, sister Patricia, brothers-in-law Mike McGrath and Bill Welsh, and a host of adoring nieces and nephews.

Bobbie is preceded by her parents Oscar and Margaret “Peggy” O’Neil, her sister Judy, and her son Richard Allan.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday August 2nd 2-5PM and 7-9PM at Harmon Funeral Home.

Service will be on Wednesday August 3rd at 10:30AM.

As an alternative to sending flowers, please consider donating to the Liberty Star via Venmo @The_Liberty_Star, or to your preferred charity.