Barbara Risko

Barbara Risko, 88, of Red Bank, NJ passed away peacefully on October 5th, 2023. 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.

Barbara is predeceased by her dearest husband Andrew. She is survived by her cherished daughters Carolyn Miller (Tom) and Dana Strus (George), as well as her seven much-loved grandchildren, Thomas Miller, Charlotte Miller, Bradley Miller, Bobbie Strus, Georgia Strus, Andie Strus, and George Strus.

Visitation will be held on Thursday October 12th, 2023 from 6-9pm at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue in Red Bank, NJ 07701. A funeral home service will commence at 8pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Deborah Heart and Lung Center at https://www.deborahfoundation.org/donate/

Please visit Barbara’s memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.