Jeffrey Michael Barnes-Aversa

In fond remembrance, we gather to celebrate the life of Jeffrey Michael Barnes-Aversa, a gentle soul whose spirit touched countless lives. Born on May 27, 1955, in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, Jeffrey journeyed through life with a heart full of love and an unwavering sense of duty to those around him. On July 14, 2025, he departed this world unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to family and community.

Jeffrey’s passions illuminated his path. He devoted much of his career to Edna Metals Inc. in Baldwin Park, California, and later provided security services to the Salvation Army in Phoenix, Arizona. Through these roles, he touched the lives of many, forging bonds and demonstrating a protective, caring nature that defined his character.

A proud high school graduate, Jeffrey cherished family Sunday dinners where he would often revel in the joyous chatter of those he loved. He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life—savoring spaghetti, salad, and peanut butter, while crafting memories with loved ones around the table. His love for traveling and adventures took him to Hawaii, a place that held special memories in his heart.

Jeffrey was not just a friend and a provider; he was a nurturer who poured his heart into everything he did. His pride was evident in his selfless acts of feeding the homeless and sharing the gospel, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to cross his path. Among his most cherished accomplishments were the moments spent riding his bike, playing his harmonica, and delighting in the laughter of his grandchildren.

He is survived by a vast and loving family comprising brothers and sisters Guy, Robert, Andrew, Carol, Michele, Tony, Regina, Christina, Frank, and Dena. His children—Shelly, Kelli, Stephanie, Jeffrey Jr., and Andrea—carry forward his legacy of love and devotion. The joy of his life continued in the eyes of his grandchildren, Dominque, Giovanni, Angelina, Andrew, Dayanna, Julian, Tatiana, Gianni, and Violet, as well as his great-grandsons Alex, Luciano, Marcello, Mateo, Nicky-boy, Rylan, Madelyn, and Charlie. Jeffrey’s family is a beautiful tapestry of love and connection, a testament to the nurturing spirit he embodied.

In quiet reflection, we also remember those who awaited him in the beyond: his parents Amil and Annie, his beloved brother Andy, and nephew Richard, who now share in the eternal bond of family.

A funeral service to honor Jeffrey's remarkable life will be held at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 25, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. As we gather to pay our respects, may we all carry something of his kindness within us, and may the color green—which Jeffrey loved—remind us of the everlasting vitality he brought to everyone around him. In our hearts, he will always remain alive, a guiding light, etching memories that resonate with love and gratitude.