Barbara Tramontozzi Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce Barbara JoAnn (Skilton) (Johnston) Tramontozzi, a kindhearted and remarkable woman, passed away peacefully at home in Medway, Massachusetts, with family by her side on July 3, 2025. She was 77 years old. Barbara was born in Fort Benning, Georgia, to Barbara W. Skilton and Rollin W. Skilton. Her father, a West Point graduate, was a war hero who lost his life in the Korean War when Barbara was only 3 and living in Japan. She and her mother returned to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, where she grew up, became a skilled pianist and was known by those closest to her as Bobbie Jo. When she was 10, her mother remarried and she was adopted by her new father, Jesse E. G. Johnston Sr.
Barbara spent most of her childhood in Old Saybrook, while also living for short periods of time in both New Haven and Storrs when her father was continuing his studies. She graduated from Old Saybrook Senior High School and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Wagner College in New York. She became a highly respected and compassionate Registered Nurse, first working at John Hopkins Hospital before relocating to Massachusetts, where she passionately dedicated her career caring for Veterans at the VA Medical Centers in Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Brockton. Barbara was committed to excellence in her career; she took great pride in being able to live a life of service to Veterans where she treated her patients with the same love and attention as her own family. She worked across multiple units, many as a distinguished Nurse Manager, including psychiatry, addiction, phlebotomy, spinal cord injury, and elder care, where she became a trusted mentor to many.
It was at the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain where she met her beloved husband, Daniel J. Tramontozzi. A whirlwind romance you only find in fairy tales, Danny knew she was his one true love and asked her to marry him on their first date and then again three weeks later when she said yes. They were married in three months' time on October 25, 1975 in Old Saybrook. They remained deeply in love and faithfully dedicated to each other for all fifty years they shared together.
The Tramontozzis moved to Medway, Massachusetts, in 1977, where they had their three children and spent their life in joy with a focus on having fun experiences. Every holiday became rooted in thoughtful traditions, milestones were always celebrated with friends and family, and time off was spent outdoors in nature and traveling. Barbara had a passion for camping and exploring National Parks, spending most of every summer either in Cape Cod or on cross-country road trips. After their kids were grown, Medway remained their main home, spending summers in Falmouth and the coldest winter months at their home in Florida.
Barbara leaves behind her cherished children Christopher and his wife Sherri, Alexander, and Elizabeth Tramontozzi, her precious grandchildren Gavin and Brady Tramontozzi, her siblings, Susan and Jesse E. G. Johnston Jr. as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a few aunts. Family always came first and was above all else to Barbara. Her nurturing spirit, unwavering support and boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of all her family.
Within her many communities, Barbara was an inspiration to all who knew her; she made everyone feel like they were the most important person and she was loved by all. She was a teacher of values, amplifying kindness, empathy and integrity. She was the person everyone called for advice, a caring listener, always ready to provide comfort and intelligent insight and she sure knew how to make the most out of life. We will forever honor the legacy of an outstanding woman who made a lasting impact on the people she touched throughout her life. Donations can be made in Barbara's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or the National Park Foundation
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 13, from 4-7 p.m. at Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway, MA. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 14, at noon at Medway Community Church, 196 Main Street, Medway, MA. The family invites you to wear something purple in honor of Barbara.