Richard Octavio Barbosa, 52, of Toms River NJ, passed away on August 30th after a valiant battle with liver cancer. He passed peacefully with family at his side.

Rich is survived by his wife Christina Barbosa, mother Dorothy Hobson, sister Lori Barbosa, and daughters Tori Barbosa and Claudia Barbosa.

He was born to Richard and Dorothy in Belleville NJ on April 1st, 1972 and graduated from Toms River North High School in 1990. Richard’s fondest memories of high school revolved around his close friendships and being on the wrestling team.

He went on to graduate with an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Later, given his great love of animals, Richard became a certified Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Investigator. He worked for Toms River Township as an ACO and as supervisor of the TR Animal Shelter.

Richard’s first love was writing. He was incredibly talented and had a beautiful way with words. You’d be hard pressed to find him without a book in his hands. His sense of humor touched everyone he knew.

He was silly and creative and loved making people laugh. Anyone who knew him probably has a huge smile on their face as they read this, thinking of one of his original songs or poems.

One of Richard’s proudest accomplishments was conquering his addiction to alcohol. He had 16 months sober.

Now, he and his beloved Barney the Beagle are reunited and have set out on the biggest adventure of all, bigger than any of us could ever imagine, discovering all the answers to life’s greatest mysteries.

He will be forever loved and missed by us mere mortals left behind.

A memorial gathering for Richard will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753, with a memorial service at 7:30 PM.

https://tomsriver.org/toms-river-obituaries/