Obituaries

In Memoriam: Red Bank Resident, Barbara Risko, 88

Red Bank resident, Barbara Risko, passed away peacefully on Oct. 5. She was 88.

Born in Passaic, NJ, she was the only child born to Mary Kapelanovich and Martin Schwartzinger. Barbara grew up in Garfield, NJ and “never missed an opportunity to be active and engaged, often opting to roller skate to school.”

“During her time at Garfield High School, she was an active member of the chorus, glee club and knitting club, and the graduating class of 1952. Her yearbook paragraph described her as ‘Babs…..oh those curls…laughter leaps from her green eyes … a sunny nature.’ She would go on to attend the Rutgers University School of Nursing and Seton Hall University which allowed her to enjoy a long career starting as a registered nurse at Passaic General Hospital and continuing for many years at various hospitals and clinics. She volunteered many hours at the Deborah Hospital Foundation. During her time at Passaic General Hospital, she met her beloved husband police officer Andrew Risko, in the emergency room. Barbara was known for her formality (especially table setting) impeccable manners, and meticulous dressing. She loved to travel, cook delicious food, do laundry, and collect Hummels. She took pride in simple and complex tasks alike and was affectionately known as ‘Nana’ to her adored grandchildren. She enjoyed her final years living at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor in Red Bank.”

Loved ones of Barbara Risko in her obituary

Barbara is predeceased by her husband, Andrew.

She is survived by: her cherished daughters, Carolyn Miller (Tom) and Dana Strus (George); and her seven, much-loved grandchildren, Thomas , Charlotte and Bradley Miller, and Bobbie, Georgia, Andie and George Strus.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A funeral home service will start at 8 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home