SOFRANKO, Barbara (nee: Shortell) 64, a life long resident of Bayonne passed away suddenly at her residence on Sunday August 11th.
Barbara graduated from Bayonne High School and attended St. Peter's University. Barbara was the co-owner along with her husband of Broadway Video Inc., and worked there until she accepted a position as a billing director of the Summit Medical Group. She worked there for several years until she decided to open her own Medical Billing Company, Medi Billing Service LLC. She operated her company successfully until her retirement in September of last year. She was a beloved wife to her husband Andrew "Drew" Sofranko and they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this upcoming November. Those who knew her recognize her fiery spirit and her fierce love as a mother to her children Lisa Sofranko Tansey, Jessica Brucato, and her husband Joe, her son Andrew Sofranko and his wife Dawn. There was no greater honor to Barbara than being a grandmother; she was and will remain very cherished by her grandchildren: Joshua Brucato, Joseph Brucato, AJ Brucato, Bella Brucato, Gabby Brucato, Lily Sofranko, Ryan Sofranko, and Hannah Sofranko. Barbara is also survived by her four siblings and their children. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Margaret (nee:Hogan) Shortell. Barbara absolutely loved going to the ocean, she loved spending time at her family's shore house in Toms River especially in the summer. She was an extensive traveler, having explored much of Europe with her husband and making it to Australia as well. In the colder months, Barbara loved to enjoy vacations in many of the Caribbean Islands. Nothing made her happier than soaking up the sun as much as she could. Barbara also enjoyed being active, especially in the sport of running, She trained and ran in 5k races for the cause of Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Awareness Race for the Cure with great pride. She placed in the top three numerous times in these races. Barbara will be missed and loved by everyone that knew her. A visitation will be held on Wednesday August 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Migliaccio Funeral Home, 851 Kennedy Blvd, Bayonne. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered for Barbara on Thursday August 22nd at 10:45am at St. Henry's Church, Bayonne. Family and friends are welcomed to the funeral home beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, prior to mass. Cremation to follow will be private.