Barbara Ann DelPrete

Barbara Ann DelPrete (née Mateyak), known to all as Barb and to her grandchildren as Gigi, passed away in her home in Coopersburg, PA, on July 14, 2026, at the age of 66. She was surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved dog, Ginger.

Barb was born on September 24, 1959, in New Brunswick, NJ. She moved to the Lehigh Valley as a child and graduated from Parkland High School. She married Keith DelPrete, the love of her life, and together they shared 40 years of marriage before his death in 2021. Their 45th wedding anniversary would have been on July 18th, just four days after Barb passed. Those who knew them believe that she made sure to be with him in time to celebrate it together again (arriving a few days early to tidy up after five years of Keith fending for himself).

An entrepreneur through and through, Barb built and ran three laundromats, known as Grammy's Washbasket, where she worked as the owner and the mechanic. She had learned how to repair the machines herself from her father, who taught her the trade. Along with her husband, she also built DelPrete's Pharmacy in Orefield, PA, from the ground up, which they ran together for more than 25 years.

Although Barb wouldn't have described herself this way, she was truly an artist. Her landscaping and interior design work turned ordinary rooms and yards into beautiful spaces that people didn't want to leave. She found joy in gardening, photography, horseback riding, and the company of animals, especially dogs. She was also a devoted Eagles and Phillies fan (when they won).

Barb had a great sense of humor and a gift for conversation. She could talk to anyone, anywhere, about anything (and she often did). She was also famously stubborn: once she set her mind to something, there was simply no telling her "no." However, it was also that same strength and determination that made her so fiercely protective of her family. Family was absolutely everything to Barb, and she loved and fought for hers without condition.

Even during her four-year battle with breast cancer, she remained optimistic and believed everything happened for a reason. She wanted to inspire others to live fully, enjoy the moment, and not waste the time they've been given. She is survived by her sons, Sean Del Prete (Luna) of San Francisco, CA, and Corey DelPrete (Lisa) of Coopersburg, PA; her granddaughters, Arabella and Valentina DelPrete; her brothers, Ken and John Mateyak; and many nieces and nephews. Barb will be dearly missed and remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Last Chance Ranch in Quakertown, PA, in Barb's memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Falk Funeral Home and Crematory, Pennsburg. To leave online condolences, please visit www.connellfalk.com.