Jerry McMinn, owner of legendary Old Barn Milk Bar in Wayne, dies at 93

Philip DeVencentis, NorthJersey.com

POMPTON LAKES — Jerry McMinn, a retired EMT whose family owned the wildly popular Old Barn Milk Bar for more than five decades in neighboring Wayne, died on Wednesday. He was 93.

An obituary said McMinn died peacefully at his borough home and that he was surrounded by his family, including his wife of 67 years, Joan McMinn, whom he met while volunteering at an area hospital.

The business, an ice cream parlor known for jumbo servings and a rustic beauty, was an institution until it closed in December 2001. A QuickChek convenience store and gas station now occupy the property at the intersection of Dawes Highway and Hamburg Turnpike.

Gerald A. ‘Jerry’ McMinn stands outside of the headquarters of the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale First Aid Squad on Ramapo Avenue in Pompton Lakes in February 2015.
Gerald A. ‘Jerry’ McMinn stands outside of the headquarters of the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale First Aid Squad on Ramapo Avenue in Pompton Lakes in February 2015.

McMinn initially owned the barn with his elder brother, the late Robert McMinn, an Army veteran who bought it when he returned from a combat deployment following World War II. Their sons later took over the operation and expanded its menu to offer everything from calorie-conscious frozen yogurt to tuna sandwiches.

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But ice cream is what sustained the family concern for so many years. There were 21 flavors, according to a newspaper article published in July 1996, and its scoops were “nearly as big as cantaloupes.”

McMinn was also highly accomplished in volunteer circles.

In a 65-year stint with the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale First Aid Squad, he responded to hundreds of calls and delivered 13 babies. Its headquarters on Ramapo Avenue bears his name.

Former Old Barn Milk Bar, a revered ice cream parlor on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne.
Former Old Barn Milk Bar, a revered ice cream parlor on Hamburg Turnpike in Wayne.

Gerald A. McMinn, an Army veteran of the Korean War, was raised in Butler and graduated from the public high school there.

Besides his wife, McMinn is survived by three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family will accept visitors Sunday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at M. John Scanlan Funeral Home, at 781 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock Township.

Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: devencentis@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Jerry McMinn, owner of Old Barn Milk Bar in Wayne NJ, dies

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