Barbara D. Genetti
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Published in October 2025
Barbara Dessel Genetti, 71, of Barrington, RI passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2025 in her home surrounded by family after a courageous three-year journey with ALS. Despite her petite stature, Barbara was larger than life, filled with love, compassion, joy and above all, F-U-N.
Born in New Haven, CT the daughter of her late parents, Arnold and Florian O’Donnell Dessel, her family moved to Barrington in 1964. She was a member of the BHS class of 1972 and went on to attend the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College.
A true queen of East Bay hospitality, Barb found her calling within the restaurant world. Her career began at a young age and grew as she founded Bullocks in Warren and later opened her own restaurant on the East Side, Tastebuds, alongside her lifelong best friend, Terri McCarron. It was at Tastebuds that she connected with her future husband, Michael Genetti, beginning a partnership that became the center of her life.
As they began raising their family, Barb shifted her focus from the restaurant kitchen to her home and community. She worked with children as a special education assistant at Primrose Hill School, volunteering with Tap-In, and investing her time supporting countless school and athletic activities. Even during this time, Barb never truly left the kitchen. Cooking remained her passion- Sunday dinners, hosting family holidays, sharing meals with friends, or teaching others the joy of good food. In 2009, she returned to the restaurant business in partnership with her brother, opening Billy’s in Barrington- her proudest professional achievement. Barb later took over ownership with her sister in 2016, continuing to create a place that reflected her spirit: welcoming, lively, and full of heart.
Barb’s gift for connecting with people reached far beyond her restaurants. Her ability to build and maintain lasting friendships started at a young age and carried on throughout her life. She will be forever remembered for her infectious smile, lively dance moves, ability to inject fun into any situation, and deep sense of caring for others.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Michael, and her children, Drew and Erin Genetti, Casie and Leighton Culici, and Sarah Genetti. Her five grandchildren were her greatest joy, Hayden, Avery and Finley Genetti and Cameron and Collins Culici. She is also survived by her sisters, Joan and Richard Abrams, Elaine and Peter Hess, and Paula and Dennis Lyons, her brother, Bill Dessel, her in-laws, Catherine and Robert Schneider, Richard Genetti, and Carolyn and Michael Menchel, her 16 nieces and nephews, and their children.
Arrangements are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd. Warren, RI. A service for reflection and remembrance will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10AM at Barrington Congregational Church, 461 County Rd, Barrington, RI 02806 with a celebration of life to follow.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574, www.ccals.org