John Barra

   John F. Barra, 90, died Thursday, July 12, at home.
   Born in New York City, he lived in Brooklyn for 30 years before moving to Clearbrook in 1981. He had a 45 year career in the commodities industry, lastly serving as president of Roemer Trading Co., Kearney, until retiring in 1987. Previously, he worked with Dyson Co. and Bunge Co., both in New York City and IPC Co. in Fairfield. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and was a former member of the American Legion Post in Brooklyn. He was a passionate artist who was always attempting to perfect some alternative painting technique. He worked in several mediums including oils, watercolors, pallet knife and wet on wet. He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord R.C. Church.
   He is survived by his family, including his wife of 65 years, Lena Nobile; a son, Gerald C. and wife, Patricia, of Dania Beach, Fla.; a daughter, Janet Sands and her husband, Richard, of Florham Park; seven grandchildren, Doreen Richardson, Dawn Gagliano, Tammy and John Barra, Kelly Raymond, and R.J. and Jenna Russo; and seven great-grandchildren.
   Funeral services were held Monday, July 16, from the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, Monroe Township. A funeral liturgy was celebrated at Nativity of Our Lord R.C. Church. Interment followed in Forest Green Memorial Park, Morganville.