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LITTLE FERRY, N.J. – Eugene P. Barden, of Little Ferry, died Saturday, March 26, of cancer. He was 86.
He was born Jan. 24, 1930, in Jersey City, the youngest son of Dr. Edward and Lucille Barden.
Charged with making money to help support his family, he worked as a shoeshine boy, a paper delivery boy and a dock worker. At the same time, he pursued his passions such as horseback riding while working as a stable boy, becoming a champion swimmer in high school, and becoming a golden glove boxer.
He enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged and returned to Jersey City where he married Margie Breheney in June 1952, and moved to Little Ferry and began raising a family.
He joined his brother Lee and developed Manning Bros., a flooring company. He was elected mayor of Little Ferry and later served on the council for 21 years. He organized and was president of the Little Ferry Hunt & Bow Club. His maritime adventures included travelling the intercoastal waterway to Florida and multiple fishing trips and family excursions. He was president of the Little Ferry Boys Club and coached several football and baseball teams.
He is survived by his daughters, Margaret of Houston, Texas, Adrianne of Dallas, Texas, Heide of Pembrook Pines, Fla., Genevieve of Raynham, Mass., and Rachael of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; his sons, Leon of Morganville, Michael of Morganville and Joseph of Hillsdale; and 22 grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his wife, Margaret; his son and business partner, Eugene M. Barden; his brothers, Edward and Lee; and his sisters, Mildred Warren and Lucille Brock.
Visitation will take place Wednesday, March 30, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Costa Memorial Home Boulevard and Central Ave, Hasbrouck Heights. A funeral service will take place Thursday, March 31, at 8:45 a.m. at Costa Memorial Home. A funeral liturgy will take place at 10 a.m. a St. Margaret of Cortona Roman Catholic Church, Little Ferry. Interment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name to American Cancer Society are requested.
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