Thomas Andrew Barber

Thomas Barber, 62, of Lanoka Harbor, passed away peacefully at his home on December 9, 2025.
Born in East Orange, NJ, in 1963, Tom lived in Union before moving his family to Manalapan, where they lived for 30 years. He recently built and moved into his dream home in Lanoka Harbor to enjoy the water views and provide a place for his family to spend summer days boating and jet skiing. He made sure the house included a man cave with a 100-inch TV to ease the pain of leaving his famous Tiki bar behind in Manalapan.
Tom worked as a corrections officer for the Union County Department of Corrections for 25 years, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. He also served as Vice President of PBA Local 199 and President of the Superior Officers Association for many years before his retirement in 2003.
Tom loved all sports but was especially fond of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and college football Saturdays. He found great joy in his involvement with youth sports when his children were young and never missed a game, cheering from the sidelines. He was also an avid reader whose love of books filled him with knowledge on just about any topic.
Tom was known for his brash humor and no-nonsense attitude, a combination that made him unforgettable to everyone who crossed his path. Even in the hardest moments, he could deliver a perfectly timed joke or witty comment that lifted spirits and reminded others to find light in any situation. Beneath that tough exterior was a remarkably generous heart. He was always the first to lend a hand, offer support, or show up for someone in need. His perseverance, strong mindset, and fierce loyalty shaped not only his own life but also the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.
Tom loved his family above all else. He married the love of his life, Lori, in 1986, and together they raised three children. They were looking forward to celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary in May. He is survived by his wife, Lori (Tunnera) Barber; his daughter Jenna and her husband, Alex; his son Thomas Jr. (T.J.); his daughter Amanda; and his grandchildren, Layton and Rowan, who were everything to him. He is also survived by his siblings Kenny (Valerie) Barber, Jefferey (Brenda) Barber, and Tricia (Pete) Mara; his sister-in-law Lisa (Bill) Tyson; and his many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Joan (Cooney) Barber, and his in-laws, Louis and Lois (Rabasca) Tunnera.
A Viewing will be held on Monday, December 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a funeral service held at 7:30pm at Riggs Funeral Home, located at 130 US-9, Forked River, New Jersey 08731. Details of a Celebration of Life on a different occasion to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Breakthrough TD1, an organization helping to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.