Gregory Barnes Obituary

Gregory Allen "Barney" Barnes was born to the late Martin G. and Diane (Grant) Barnes on September 11, 1966, at Barnet Hospital in Paterson, NJ. He and his siblings were raised on Lawrence Place.

He attended and graduated from Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, NJ.

After graduation, Gregory obtained a job with his uncle at NAPP Chemical in Lodi, NJ, until he fulfilled his dream of becoming a police officer for the Paterson Police Department. When he received the letter for his report date for the academy, he was overjoyed and could not wait to get started. He worked as a patrolman until he was promoted to detective on the Warrant Squad, then later moved to Juvenile Division. While serving in the Juvenile Division, he participated in the Paterson Village Initiative, Paterson Village Initiative Vo-Tech Program, and the Paterson Village Anti-Violence Anti-Gang League where Gregory ran the basketball league. He served 19 years until he had to retire for medical reasons.

Although becoming a police officer was Gregory's dream, basketball was his real passion. While working for NAPP Chemical, he began coaching a little league basketball team called Marty Barnes AC in his spare time. While coaching that team wasn't enough, he started his own traveling MU basketball team called "All Out Ballerz.". Because of his outstanding coaching skills, he was later asked to be the head varsity coach for Paramus Catholic High School. He then became the basketball athletic director. Under his leadership and other coaching staff members; he led his teams to multiple state championship victories.

Coach "Barney" touched many hearts through his mentorship. Because of his kindness, guidance, generosity, and love for the youth, many children who crossed his path remembered where they came from and learned how to skill their craft. He cared about our youth in a way that many will never understand. He was all about building and providing opportunities for young people.

After retiring, Gregory relocated to Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in 2012 until he transitioned from labor to reward on July 20, 2023.

Gregory leaves to cherish his memory his mother Diane (Stroudsburg, PA), father Martin G. (Predeceased), daughter Joycelyn (East Orange, NJ), Mya (Philadelphia, PA), Antwon (Blairstown, NJ), grandson Oliver (Blairstown, NJ), sister Antoinette (Stroudsburg, PA), brother Marcus (Spain), nephew Miykael (Blairstown, NJ), niece Cierra (Blairstown, PA), a host of aunts, cousins, and friends.