MICHAEL J. BARBATO SR.
   June 3, 1945 - January 30, 2025

     It is with a deep sadness that the New Jersey Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association writes to inform you of the passing of Past President Michael J. Barbato Sr., a retired detective of the Woodbridge Township Police Department, on January 30, 2025.

     Mike was born on June 3, 1945 in Perth Amboy, NJ. He became a member of the United States Army Infantry Division, serving from 1965-1967, where he was recognized as both a Mortar expert and Rifle Sharpshooter. After his service in the military, Mike worked as a Tool & Dye maker for a few years. He eventually became a police officer with the Woodbridge Township Police Department, where he worked for the next 25 years, the latter of which were in the Narcotics Unit. During his tenure with the Narcotics Unit, he was frequently assigned to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office Narcotic Task Force. It was there that he assisted with many Title III investigations.

    Mike became a member of the NJNEOA in 1992 and immediately got involved, eventually becoming a member of the Board of Directors in 2001.

  Upon his retirement from the police department in 2005, Mike continued to serve on the NJNEOA BOD. In 2007 he was voted onto the Executive Board as 3rd Vice-President and, moving through the ranks, became the 47th President of the Association, serving in that position for the 2011-2012 term.

   Upon completing his term as President, Mike became a dedicated fixture and the mainstay of the organization as its Recording and Corresponding Secretary.

    Mike was the "Guy behind the scenes", handling all the administrative duties related to all the financial billing aspects for both Membership and Training. A job that he was committed to and took seriously. For 32-years Mike was an integral part of the NJNEOA, right up to his passing.

   Mike was a devout Catholic, NY Yankee fan, and above all a family man. He was proud of and always there for his wife, children and grandchildren. During any conversation you had with Mike he would always refer to what was going on with his family life.

    Mike will be greatly missed by the NJNEOA.

   On a personal note, I never met anyone who didn't like Mike. He had a great sense of humor, common sense, and a work ethic that had no limits. I, myself have known Mike for over 30 years and in addition to being a colleague, he was a true friend. There is a quote that truly applies to my brother Mike: "Your time on this earth is a gift to be used wisely. Don't squander your words or thoughts. Consider that even the simplest actions you take for your lives matter beyond measure... and they matter forever." - A.J. Camisa