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Andrew "AJ" Barchetto, 46, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 22, according to family members and his obituary on the Wood Funeral Home website.
Barchetto was the assistant principal of Oakcrest High School, where he also served as the supervisor of special education and child study team, the school's website says.
OHS Principal Michael Manning shared the following with Daily Voice:
Oakcrest is coping as well as could be hoped. Mr. Barchetto was a trusted and loved administrator. He was a role model for all students and a champion for all of our Special Education students. Sudden loss happens suddenly, but it's something that you feel for a long time, over and over again. This is a loss Oakcrest is going to feel for a long time.
Barchetto is survived by his wife, Julie, and five children, Hailey, Trevor, Leah, Reese and Lainey, according to a GoFundMe page that had raised $43,000 as of press time.
"AJ was the hardest working guy anyone ever knew," campaign organizer Tony Barchetto said. "He poured his heart into everything he did. His work in special education made a profound impact on countless students and their families. AJ’s commitment to his students was unwavering, and he was known for his compassion and ability to inspire those around him."
The campaign goes on to say Barchetto had a deep love for his family, remembering him as a "devoted husband and father who cherished every moment spent with his kids. Boat rides, beach days, practices and games--he was there for it all."
Condolences poured in.
"AJ was an extraordinary husband, father, and friend," Amy Sink Eastburn writes on Facebook. "He had a remarkable ability to create—from culinary delights to handcrafted furniture—while always bringing joy and laughter to those around him. His kindness extended to everyone, as he consistently advocated for the underdogs and was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need."
His wife, Julie, said: "As the sun has set on AJ's time here on earth, we are doing as he wished and having a memorial service to celebrate his short 46 years of life."
Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Wood Funeral Home in Tuckerton. A "time of remembrance" will be at noon on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Click here to donate to the Barchetto family.
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