Julia (Julie) Barreca, 99, a lifelong Red Bank resident, passed away at home Aug. 26, 2021. Julie was born in Red Bank to Luigi and Theresa (Palendrano) Ruffini. She was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony of Padua RC Church in Red Bank. Julie was a graduate of Red Bank High School and St. Peter’s Nursing School in New Brunswick. She was employed by Riverview Hospital in Red Bank as a registered nurse for 40-plus years before moving into private duty nursing. She honorably served the country in the U.S. Army, as a nurse, during World War II in the Philippines.
Julie was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 56 years, Patrick “Bruce” Barreca; and siblings Cecilia Ruffini, Clarence (Blackie) Ruffini, Joseph (Lupie) Ruffini, Rose Grandinetti and Victor Ruffini.
She is survived by her sons Bruce P. of Red Bank and Mark J. and wife Susan of Oceanport; grandchildren Hannah, Sarah and Michael; nieces Joan (Grandinetti) Green, Lois Ruffini, Elaine Martin and Rosemarie Ruffini; nephews Joseph Ruffini, Robert McAllen and Frank McAllen; great-nephews Robert and Joseph Fedore; great-nieces Ariella and Alyssa Ruffini, Phaedra Lightbody and many loving cousins.
Julie was the last living sibling of the Ruffini family and matriarch. She was everyone’s nurse who was called on by so many in the family when someone was sick or needed attention. Family and friends all remember fondly the Sunday Sauce Dinners at her home where all were welcome and no one left hungry. Her joy was always her family, and she was so universally loved by all who knew her and touched so many hearts.
Friends and family visited Aug. 30 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 31 at St. Anthony of Padua RC Church, Red Bank. Entombment followed at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com. As an option in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charities important to Julia, including The Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The article originally appeared in the September 2 – 8, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
