Paul Barzda

Paul Barzda

AGE: 80 • North Brunswick

Paul Barzda, died Saturday afternoon, April 30, 2011, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. He was 80 years old. Mr. Barzda was born in New Brunswick and graduated from St. Peter High School in 1947. He continued his education at Seton Hall University and graduated in 1951. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska. Upon his discharge, he entered into his family's business on Jersey Avenue in New Brunswick, namely, Barzda's Grocery Store, California Speed and Sport Shop and Joe's Barn Tavern.

Paul along with his brothers, Joseph and Edmund ran the California Speed and Sport Shop which was one of the largest speed and sport shops on the east coast. Years later, Paul joined his brother, Anthony in running Joe's Barn, one of the oldest taverns in New Brunswick. Following the passing of his brothers, Paul became the sole owner of both businesses. Later his son. James took over the California Speed and Sport Shop and Paul and his wife, Patricia continued to run Joe's Barn. Paul and Pat retired in 2004.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Pitronelli Barzda; his stepfather, John Arutunian; and his three brothers; Joseph, in 1993, Edmund, in 1999, and Anthony, in 2002. Mr. Barzda is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia of North Brunswick; his son, Paul of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and James and his wife Gina of East Windsor; and his daughter, Nancy and her husband Christopher Strausser of PA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Connie, Kyrie, Serenity, Candice and Shelbie Barzda, Stephen and Sydney Evans, and Emily Strausser and Frank Barzda. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Hailey, Amelia, Payton, and Alora.

Friends and family may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 4 at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St., Somerset. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 5 at the funeral home. Committal services will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, New Brunswick. Contributions in Mr. Barzda's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Transplant Department, 195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901.