John Edward Barrett

John Edward Barrett passed away on July 25, 2025, at Venice Hospice House in Venice, Florida, following a brief illness. His loving daughter was by his side in the days and hours leading up to his death.

John is survived by his son Joshua of Falmouth, Maine, and his grandchildren Kaleb and Haley; his daughter Tara Barrett Twist of London, England, her husband Matthew and his grandson Teddy; his sisters Emily Silver of Hartland, Vermont, and Mary Lou DeLuca of Narragansett, Rhode Island; and his brother George of Wakefield, Rhode Island. John is also remembered by Patricia (McNamara) Barrett of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, the mother of his children, with whom he shared many years of happiness raising their family.

He is predeceased by his parents, Col. John F. Barrett and Florence (Mullins) Barrett, and two sisters, Nancy Baglini and Jane Couto.

John was a lifelong executive with the phone company, starting off with New England Telephone in Wakefield, Rhode Island. His career took him and his family from Exeter, Rhode Island to Washington D,C and Yarmouth, Maine. A highlight of his career was his opportunity to testify before Congress as part of his time as a Congressional Fellow in Washington, D.C. After retiring in 2004, he relocated to Englewood, Florida, where he made many close friends over the last 20 years.

John was also very proud of his involvement with the University of Rhode Island as well as South County Hospital, where he served and volunteered in various leadership roles. 

John was an outgoing and generous man—always ready to help a friend in need. He was an avid golfer and beachcomber. Like his parents and siblings, he “had salt water in his veins.” His family remembers many happy days spent at Bonnet Shores and other beloved beaches in South County, Rhode Island.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you practice an act of kindness in John’s memory.