Janet Hart Barbato, 74, of Barnstable Village, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026.
Janet is survived by her daughter, Kari-Anne Hart, her son, Kristopher Ryan Barbato, and her grandson, Colin Reardon.
 
Janet was born in Quincy, Massachusetts on September 9, 1951 to Adam and Virginia Hart.  She operated many restaurants on Cape Cod alongside her parents.  Her attention to detail and love of beauty and fashion led her to immense professional success as a driving force behind decades of leadership at the Ocean House Restaurant.  Janet’s dedication to the business was surpassed only by her devotion to her children; Kari and Kristopher, and her one grandchild, Colin.
 
Kristopher was born with profound autism, and ensuring his care, quality of life, and well-being became Janet’s highest priority. She also used the platform of the Ocean House to raise substantial funds, promote awareness, and support families also affected by autism.
 
At the Ocean House, Janet worked alongside Kari, her trusted partner, and together they became known as a most formidable mother-daughter team.  Janet’s love for Colin brought her endless joy as he was the absolute light of her life.
 
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to her friends, loyal employees, patrons, and medical care team for all the love and joy they brought to her life.
 
A private graveside ceremony will be followed by a public celebration of life at the Ocean House Restaurant in Dennis Port on Monday, August 3 from 3 - 6 p.m.

Words cannot express what we feel in our at the loss of Janet. She was a dynamo!! She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts & prayers & deepest sympathy To the family! Jim & Betty Schipani

My sincere condolences to her family. I am a grandmother to an autistic grandchild whom we love unconditionally. I am grateful for all her promotions to the cause throughout the years. God bless. Rest in peace. Love the Ocean House! You will be missed!

To the family of Janet Hart Barbato, Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Janet. Janet was the major driving force behind the exceptional dining experience found at the Ocean House from its inception. Janet expected nothing less than perfection in every aspect of her position of overseer of the kitchen, dining room and bar, and she was a master at it. It was a beautiful place to work, very demanding yet one felt lucky to be there. All three of us worked at the Ocean House at different times and in a couple different capacities. None of us will ever forget Janet's exquisite sense of style! I was lucky enough to work with both Ginny and Adam as well as remember Janet's sister and brother. It was quite a time back in the 80's. We wish good memories, peace and a love of family to all that remain. Our deepest sympathies to you all. Hugs and blessings, The Haas Family

Dear Kari and Kristopher, Your mom, my friend, bought our house at 3714 Main St, Barnstable. It's so hard to me to put into words how hard I tried to make this passage happen. We all did it and I'm so happy she loved it as much as Richie and I did. So, so sorry Kari. Your grandfather, Adam was such a good friend as well. So Many memories, ones that we will always carry with us. I will always keep mom in my prayers. One step at a time and memories that will ever go away. Love, Judi and Richie

The Cape just lost a beautiful soul. Janet’s grace and spirit made her not just a restaurant owner, but our friend who we greatly miss. For 44 years we shared memorable evenings from getting engaged to just catching up on family life with her. She always had time to drop by the table and chat a bit. Our sincerest condolences to Kari, Kristopher, and Colin. Her spirit lives on in the loving way you carry her with you and all you do. Heaven is lucky to have her soul and she is at peace.

To Kari, Kristopher and Colin, What a wonderful tribute to Janet, it is absolutely true you all were her first loves and priorities on this planet along with the Ocean House and its professional, dedicated and loyal staff being her true passion. I know I can speak for mom as well, (they are now together again