Barbara Anne “Bobbie” Salerno, age 72 years, of Delaware Township, NJ, loving wife of Marv Salerno, died peacefully on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ.

Born in Plainfield, NJ, August 27, 1948, daughter of the late John and Mary Soltis Timko, Barbara was a lifelong Hunterdon County resident.

Attending the Delaware Township School and graduating from Hunterdon Central Regional High School in 1966, she spent the majority of her career as a financial analyst with Bell Labs and AT & T working at various locations throughout New Jersey.

It was just a few years after graduation that Barbara would meet a young Marvin Robert “Marv” Salerno while getting gas at the former Sunoco station at Reaville Avenue and 202. It was love at first sight for them both, and they would marry on August 21, 1971 in St. Magdalen Church, then located on Park Avenue in Flemington.

Living each day of her life remembering it was a gift from a good and loving God, formed the foundation of Barbara’s persona. Raised Roman Catholic, she was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown, NJ and was very active in the life of her church and her community. Caring, courteous, and loving are three simple, but true words that describe this woman who put action into the gospel values that shaped her life. She was known to be there for anyone, anywhere, anytime and was always praying for family and friends. The power of prayer was an important part of her daily activities and reminded her that she always had much to be grateful for in life.

Growing up on the family farm made Barbara realize the value of hard work from an early age. She never shied away from any task, and could be found digging fence post holes with her father and siblings one minute and then cleaning the house with her mother the next. It did not matter the task, if it needed tending to, Barbara was there to help. She became well versed during this time cooking for her family, and ensuring everyone was well fed became a hallmark trait. Her stuffed cabbage and stuffed peppers were legendary, and she was the first one to bring food to someone in need. Many people recovering from an illness were the recipients of not only Barbara’s prayers, but also of healthy meals to make their journey just a bit easier.

This caring sense was not limited to family as the entire neighborhood benefited from Barbara’s loving generosity; if someone was in need, she was there. She was very fond of the Sisters at the Carmelite Monastery and would frequently shop for them as well as cook. She admired their dedication to God and felt that it was her duty to help them fulfill their ministry however she was able.

In addition to cooking and caring for others, Barbara will be remembered as a jack of all trades, a true ‘farm girl’ in the sense of having a pioneer spirit. She was known for her impeccable sewing skills and made many outfits for her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Family was an important part of Barbara’s world, and she was especially instrumental in taking care of her parents as they aged. She made sure they were well cared for and that they never missed a BINGO night, no matter where it was held. The ‘Bingomobile” was usually off to a game at least five nights out of the week, and Barbara was not happy unless she was playing multiple cards at once. She was also a fierce pinocle player and many fond memories were made at family game nights. The slot machines of Atlantic City and the Sands Casino in Pennsylvania were also a favorite pastime as was reading romance novels and watching thoughtful movies on the Hallmark and Lifetime channels.

Though her physical life ended earlier than anyone would have thought, her spirit of love and generosity will surely live on in the hearts of all those who were touched by her kindness over the years.

Surviving are her devoted husband, Marvin Robert Salerno; her siblings and their spouses, Allen and Linda Timko, James and Mary Passerello, and John A. and Eileen Timko; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and extended family; and many dear friends.

Barbara will lie in repose on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Kris Kaczynski will be celebrated on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victories Parish, 1007 County Road 519, Baptistown, NJ (Frenchtown, NJ mailing). Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday.

Following mass, Barbara will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Magdalen Cemetery, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

It is important to remember that given the current state of the pandemic, masks must be worn at all times on funeral home, church, and cemetery grounds, and social distancing must be maintained. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival at each location. It is also requested that you remember that only a certain number of people are allowed in the funeral home at any given time, so please remain cognizant of your time spent with the family so that others may express their love and support as well.

You are encouraged to visit Barbara’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Barbara’s honor made be made to the Carmelite Monastery, 26 Harmony School Road, Flemington, NJ 08822 or online by clicking HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”