Obituary: Barbara S. Nero, 86, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Cornell Memorial Home

DANBURY, CT — Barbara S. Nero, 86, peacefully passed away on Jan. 13, 2024, at Spring Village of Danbury Assisted Living Facility. Born on Jan. 26, 1937, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, she was the widow of Nicholas V. Nero and the daughter of Ralph and Augusta (Palasky) Schneider.

Barbara moved many times in her youth, but considered Pottsville, Pennsylvania her childhood hometown. She then ultimately moved to Danbury which would become her home for the next 69 years. Barbara graduated from Danbury High School, class of 1955. She would attend Danbury Teachers State College, graduating with a BA in Elementary Education and eventually receiving her master’s degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. While attending Danbury Teachers State College, she would work at Castro Convertible where she would meet her future husband of 63 years, Nicholas V. Nero. She was an educator in the Bethel school system for 33 years teaching Elementary and Special Education at Grassy Plain, Berry, Johnson, and the middle school.

Active in civic and social activities, she was a member of the National Education Association, Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut, and the Colonna Lodge of the Amerigo Vespucci. She regularly volunteered as a poll worker during elections.

Barbara loved to engage in conversation with all whom she encountered. She was an avid traveler, going on countless cruises and trips with her husband as well as close friends. She enjoyed playing the slots at Foxwoods, indulging in scratch off lottery tickets, and was a fan of UConn women’s basketball. Barbara really loved to shop. (It was rumored that her back room was a satellite warehouse for QVC). Her favorite way to spend time was at her summer home in Westerly, Rhode Island where she would frequent the beach, go clamming, and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Despite her varied interests, Barbara's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her son Ralph V. Nero and his partner Suzanne Doherty, grandson Ryan C. Nero, granddaughter Lauren (Nero) Hart and her husband Matt, great-grandson Matthew Nero Hart, her brother-in-law Arnold Tomaino, and former daughter-in-law Cindy Clark. Additionally, she is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Nicholas, parents, brother Harvey (Jack) Schneider, and in-laws.

The family expresses gratitude for the support and care provided by all at Spring Village and past home caregivers: Dawn, Denise, Jill, and Margarette. Burial services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Federation of Western Connecticut and/or the Arthritis Foundation.

“Yehi zichra baruch.”
“May her memory be a blessing.”