Eleanor N. Barbato

Eleanor N. (DiRocco) Barbato, 84, of Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania, passed away March 12, 2016 at the Reading Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

She was the wife of Andrew J. Barbato (originally from Paterson, NJ), whom she married on March 25, 1973 and celebrated 43 years of marriage.

Born in Paterson, NJ, Eleanor was a daughter of the late Richard J. and Rosalia (Iurato) DiRocco. She graduated from Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ and the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City.

Eleanor was the owner/operator of Ronele Bridals and Formals in Wayne, NJ. She also partnered with her husband, Andrew, at Dolin Studios Photography.

Eleanor was fiercely dedicated to her family. A naturally generous person, she loved helping out family, friends, and other people. She was also a creative spirit who dabbled in ceramics, painting (in various media) and took pride in decorating her homes in NJ and also in Pennsylvania. She always had a great sense of humor and a vibrant young spirit especially when spending time with her grandchildren and great granchildren. Everyone's favorite memory of her is her laughing out loud and being welcoming of everyone who comes into her home.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children: Kenneth, husband of Sharon L. Duerr, of Wernersville and Steven, husband of Jacqueline A. Duerr, Rockaway, NJ; three siblings: Dolores DeBot; Norma Bell and Shirley Giarrusso. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jenny Lynn, wife of Richard Adleta; Joseph Duerr; Kenneth A. Duerr; Alyssa A. Duerr; Jason Aguilos, Jan Alphonso Aguilos and Justine, wife of Matt Kelly; five great-grandchildren: Christian Adleta; Anastasia Adleta; Kaylee Duerr; Addison Duerr and Makenzie Duerr and two beloved cats: Tiger and Sugar. Eleanor was an avid cat lover.

Eleanor was predeceased by two siblings: Marie Moore and Louis DiRocco.

Services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. Burial will be private. Friends may call Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the funeral home. Contributions may be made to: American Heart Association, 968 Postal Road, Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18109. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhome.com.