John P. Barrett

John P. Barrett, age 75, passed away in his East Walpole, Massachusetts home on Monday, October 21, 2019.  Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 2, 1944, he was the son of the late Patrick John and Margaret (Sullivan) Barrett.  He was raised in Jamaica Plain and graduated from Boston Technical High School with the Class of 1962. John continued his education at Northeastern University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1968, and went on to graduate with his master’s degree from Boston State College with the Class of 1971.  Following his graduation, John took his first teaching position with the Francis Parkman School in Forest Hills.

 

John married his beloved wife, Greta M. O’Toole, on June 21, 1969 in Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale.  The young couple initially made their home together in Brockton before settling in Norton, Massachusetts.  John changed schools, taking a position with the Washington Irving Middle School in Roslindale, where he taught mathematics.  In 1979, John and Greta moved to Plainville, Massachusetts for a short time and have made their home in East Walpole for the past thirty years.  John retired from his teaching position in 2001, however as a man who enjoyed keeping busy, he took a job driving vans, first with Lifeworks and later with Y.C.N., where he drove students to school for the past fifteen years.

 

When John wasn’t hard at work, he enjoyed caring for his yard and flower gardens, playing the guitar, and watching his favorite television programs, including Seinfeld, Western shows, and game shows.  However, the channel was quickly changed whenever one of his beloved Boston sports teams were playing. He was a huge hockey fan, stemming from his time on the rink as a young man, and feverishly cheered on the Boston Bruins.  He also enjoyed following the Patriots, watching the Celtics in the post season, and has decided the Boston Red Sox might need a change in leadership. Most of all, he was devoted to his wife, Greta, together their shared their 50th wedding anniversary in June with all of their closest friends and family.

 

Beloved husband of Greta M. (O’Toole) Barrett.

Loving father of Sean William Barrett of Providence, Rhode Island.

Devoted brother of Catherine M. Newton and her husband, Frederick, of Dedham, and of the late Richard J. Barrett, and his surviving wife, Agnes Barrett.

Brother in law of Ellen Conlon and her husband, Gerald, of Plymouth and Patricia Campbell and her husband, Paul, of Canton.

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for John’s Life Celebration on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary’s Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at the request of John’s family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Notre Dame Educational Bridge Center, 555 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or at www.notredamehealthcare.org.