Barbara Jean Rischmann

Barbara Jean Rischmann 69, of Wharton, NJ passed away unexpectedly Sunday August 16, 2020 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC.

Barbara was born on March 3, 1951, the only child of the late Raymond and Novello “Belle” Richards Fisher.

Her adult responsibilities started early in life when she gave birth to her only child, Kristin Lea Trapasso shortly after graduating from Morris Hills High School. As a single mother, she began the arduous task of building a family and a future.

She started what would become a twenty-four year career at the Jersey Central Power & Light Company as a secretary. She worked her way up through management and held several positions and fulfilled many roles. She was competent, dedicated, well liked and rarely missed a days work.

She married her Junior Prom date Thomas J. Trapasso in 1974 and built a family for thirteen years in Rockaway NJ. Her life was full of pool parties, fire department functions, sporting events and cars. She changed cars like she changed clothes but her favorite was the Camaro. She was a Jersey Girl through and through.

After retiring from JCP&L she moved to Bradenton, FL with her husband Richard J. Rischmann. They belonged to the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 and went weekly for years. She was a volunteer at the Legion and also worked at Cafe on The Beach. She formed her second family around what would be known as her “peeps” and found comfort, support and joy in the many friendships she made there.

Barbara moved to Wilmington, NC four years ago to be near her daughter Kristin L. Trapasso. She worked part time for James Kelly, CPA and began building yet another network of family and friends.

Barbara didn’t have many hobbies … she was too busy making connections. She loved to laugh, talk and share. She was beautiful, relatable, engaging, fun, and down to earth. She will be deeply missed by all who connected with her.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Kristin and the many friends and family members she left behind.

There will be a celebration of life held in Wilmington, NC on September 5, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. For details please call 910-685-5353. There will be one held in NJ and FL in the near future.

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Wilmington funeral and Cremation 1535 S. 41st street Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099