Barbara Ann Vohwinkel

Barbara A. Vohwinkel, 87, of Sayville, NY, passed away on the afternoon of July 5, 2026. Born on February 9, 1939, to Margaret Cushing Perretti and her father Edward Perretti, Barbara grew up surrounded by her mother's Irish family, and was especially cared for by her Grandma Elizabeth (Bess) in the Bronx. While still young, the family moved to Hempstead where her brother Bruce was born. 

After graduating from Hempstead High School, Barbara earned her degree in Advertising Art and Design from Farmingdale State University. She began working as a freelance designer, planning to build a career in Manhattan. But fate had other plans. One evening, she went dancing at a hall across from the Elmont Firehouse, where she met Victor, the man who would become her husband and devoted partner for the next 63 years, until his death in February 2024.

The couple married just one year later and traded the city for "the sticks" of Sayville, Long Island. They purchased the fifth house built on their block, where there were few neighbors and the surrounding land was still mostly woods. That house became Barbara's cherished home for more than 66 years, where she and Victor raised their six children and watched the once-rural neighborhood gradually grow into the vibrant community they loved.

As a devout Catholic, Barbara was a lifelong parishioner of St. Lawrence the Martyr R.C. Church. Barbara put her artistic background into her faith by creating banners that were used in marches and hung on the walls of the church for many years. She participated in church fundraisers and religion classes. 

Never one to be idle, Barbara also sold Avon, Tupperware and continued doing freelance artwork. The family attended and worked many craft shows through the years, selling handmade leathercraft goods. For a time she owned the Little Hearts Baby Shop in West Sayville, selling baby clothes to new and expectant mothers. Years later, Barbara began painting recycled buoys and selling them at local fairs, garnering multiple awards including Best in Show. 

Barbara's greatest accomplishment was raising her six children, of whom she was immensely proud. Family and friends gladly endured countless conversations about their latest accomplishments, and, of course, an endless stream of photographs that Barbara was always delighted to share.

Through the years, Barbara found great joy in celebrating every major holiday. She lovingly filled Easter baskets, set a beautiful Thanksgiving table, decorated the house for Christmas, and began shopping early to find just the right gifts. From the cooking and baking to every thoughtful detail, she took pride in making each celebration warm, memorable, and just right for the people she loved.

Barbara is survived by her children, Patricia Zink, Victor, Karl, Margaret Bartik, Kurt, and Barbara Catalannotto; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bruce Perretti. We find comfort in knowing she has been reunited with those who went before her. 

Funeral Mass:  Saturday, July 11th  9:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence RC Church 240 W. Main Street Sayville

Interment to follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Lakeland Avenue Sayville