Arnold "A.J." John Barbaro, Jr., 32, passed away September 7, 2021.  A.J. was a native of Chesapeake, VA.  He is survived by his father, Arnold Barbaro, Sr. and his stepmother, Laurie; mother, Jacqueline Michel; daughter, Marlena Muckerheide; sisters, Kimberly Barbaro Coward "Kimbo", brother-in-Law and best friend Joshua Coward, Nichelle Acevedo "Shelly", brother-in-law Michael Acevedo; brother, Theodore Tower, sister-in-law Nikita Tower; grandmother, Shirley Bloomer; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. A.J. loved woodworking and was extremely creative with his hands however, his greatest joy was in being a loving, devoted father to his amazing daughter and the love of his life, Marlena. Anyone who checked out A.J.'s Facebook page were greeted with photos of their many adventures together either camping, rock climbing, hiking, going to the beach and just plain having fun. There was hardly a dull moment. And through all the activities A.J. was purposefully instilling Marlena with valuable "Life Lessons". A.J. also loved spending time and joking with his two closest nieces, Alyssa and Christina Reed.

A.J., left a loving impact on so many people's lives, from those very close to him and even to his neighbors. One elderly neighbor who lives with her daughter told us that A.J. would knock on their door and always say "I have to check and see how my ladies are doing today" and would help with any chores or repairs that they would need. But this was very common for A.J. as he helped anyone and everyone who needed it.

A.J. was always the life of the party, with his quick wit, always ready with a joke and was so inclusive of everyone.  He always had a smile on his face that would light up a room.

AJ truly left this world a better place and has left a beautiful piece of himself in every life he touched.  AJ's best friend Tera said it best, "You never knew a stranger and could light up any room you were in.  Your charisma was like no other and you had that contagious laugh that I will miss so much.  You were just one of those people others wanted to be around.  You could brighten the darkest of days with your sweet soul and kind heart."

Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation to celebrate A.J.'s life Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Dr., Suffolk, VA 23434.  Memorial donations may be made to Edmarc at 516 London St., Portsmouth, VA 23704.