John Joseph Barrett's Obituary
John Joseph Barrett, 76, of Stoddard, NH and Clearwater, FL died February 18, 2016 in a hospital in Dunedin, FL due to complications following a surgery related to his cancer diagnosis.
He was born in Walpole, NH on June 28, 1939 the son of George and Lila (Sheldon) Barrett. He grew up and attended schools in Walpole and Keene and was a 1957 graduate of Keene High School, where he served as president of his class. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire, as well as a master’s degree in safety from Central Missouri State University.
Mr. Barrett taught driver education for nearly 40 years. During those years, at various points in time, he served as president of the Keene Teachers’ Association, was a member of the National Education Association and served as director of Samaritans of Keene. He was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Keene and enjoyed ringing bells in the Ringers-on-the-Square Handbell Choir. Mr. Barrett retired from teaching in 2001 after patiently teaching hundreds of people to drive and he and his wife began wintering in Clearwater, FL. Mr. Barrett was very active in his Florida community where he loved to play shuffleboard and served as president of the Shuffleboard Club for the previous five years. He enjoyed playing cards, was always ready for a game with family and friends, and played every day with his wife.
Mr. Barrett was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2006 and throughout his time with this disease he remained extremely positive and bravely made the most of each day, continuing to offer his kindness and generosity to family, friends and acquaintances. He was a devoted and loving husband for 53 years and he was the foundation and pillar of his family, guiding them with his quiet strength. He treasured his friendships and was a friend to all who met him. He is survived by his wife Janice (Baker) Barrett of Stoddard, NH and Clearwater, FL; three daughters: Julie L. Barrett and her partner Alida Castillo of Brookline, MA; Jenelle (Barrett) Smedley and her husband Brad of Keene, NH; and Jonna (Barrett) Endara and her husband Homero of The Woodlands, TX. Mr. Barrett has four beloved grandchildren: Liam Smedley of Fort Walton Beach, FL; Beth Smedley of Lebanon, NH; and Benjamin Endara and Emilia Endara, both of The Woodlands, TX. He was preceded in death by two sisters: June (Barrett) Mattson and Cora (Barrett) Fuller.
There will be a Memorial Service on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Serendipity Clubhouse in Clearwater, FL and a Celebration of Life Service on June 25, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the United Church of Christ in Keene, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made payable and mailed to NGM Employees Federal Credit Union, 55 West St, Keene, NH 03431. The check memo line should be noted “John J. Barrett Memorial Fund.” A granite bench engraved in memory of John is to be placed at the Davis Library in the town of Stoddard for all to sit, think, and gain strength from the memory of a wonderful man.
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