Obituary of David Barnish

David Patrick Barnish of Hopatcong, New Jersey passed away on Sunday, March 23^rd at the age of 67.

Born April 30^th 1958 in Boonton, New Jersey, Dave is a proud father, husband and friend to many. He graduated from Morris Knolls High School, class of 1976. He met his high school sweetheart, Michelle, the same year and they have been together ever since. A fun fact  about Dave: he never took a sick day from work or school. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and loyalty. He was the operations manager at Kop-Coat Marine for 34 years before moving on to work with De Block Environmental for the last 8 years.

Dave’s greatest role in life is being a devoted father to his children, Matthew and Kathryn. He’s deeply committed to their lives, always supporting them in every dream they pursue and journey they take. The love and lessons he shared with them will live on in their hearts. Beyond his own children, he has a lasting impression on the lives of many kids through his devotion to coaching the Hopatcong Hawks Track league for over 20 years. He was previously Cub Master of Troop 88 and Scout Master of Troop 91. Dave inspires many and will continue to do so beyond his passing.

What makes Dave the happiest is spending time with him family. Whether it was traveling across to the world to visit his son in Thailand or sitting in his beloved backyard with wife on a nice summer day, it didn’t matter what he is doing if he is with them. He loves cars, cigars and bourbon amongst many other things that could never be summed up in few words. He takes great pride in his award-winning Pontiac Beaumont and impressive Bourbon collection.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Michelle, his children, Matthew and Kathryn, his father, Gerald Barnish, his stepfather, Carl Meininger, his mother, Marilyn Dalrymple Meininger, his brother, Michael Barnish, his sister, Susanne Gordon and many nieces and nephews.

Daves's Life Celebration will include a memorial visitation on Sunday March 30th, 2025 from 1:00-5:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ with a prayer service being held at 4:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Daves's honor to the cause of your choice.