Obituary of Bartholomew Neilan

“And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

Bartholomew “Barry” Neilan passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020.  He shared 66 years of love with his family.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 22nd at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church, Denville.  Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday, July 21st from 5-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville. In light of the current health crisis, we ask that you wear a mask and be respectful of your space and that of others. Donations in Barry's memory may be made to the good work of St. John's Soup Kitchen by way of www.inmemof.org

Please share your memories here.  His family will cherish them forever.

Barry was born in Fuerty, Roscommon, Ireland to Bernard and Mary Josephine Neilan, and he was one of 11 children to bless the Neilan family.  At the age of 20, he emigrated to the states and settled in NJ.  He worked hard as a carpenter and engineer, and was a proud member of Local 68.  He was the proudest Dad and was over the moon to become a “Ba Ba” to his two beautiful granddaughters.  

He would often speak affectionately of the strong bond he had with his ten siblings and over 40 nieces and nephews.  As a skilled carpenter, he enjoyed creating and building things with his hands.  In the evenings he would often meet up with friends for a Budweiser and a steak, and he loved to have a big breakfast every Sunday before Mass.  Barry loved traveling home to Ireland.  Above all though, he loved being with his girls.  The sun rose and set on his daughter and granddaughters.  He spoke of them often, and they lit up his life.

He leaves his daughter and son in law Vanessa Neilan Daerti (Skender); his granddaughters Adriana and Grace; his siblings Margaret, Mary Josephine, Martin, John, Bernadette, Michael, Rose, Brian and Oliver (his brother Terence passed previously); and many more loving relatives and friends. Barry lived a full life, and he has left behind so many treasured memories.  

***You will be able to watch Mass live beginning at 10 am by clicking here***