Official John Barrett passes
Post date: Jul 04, 2021 3:11:26 PM
North Andover - John J. Barrett Jr. passed peacefully on Friday, July 2, 2021, with his partner of many years Ann Shields by his side.
John was born in Lawrence on July 6, 1942, and was the oldest of three children of the late Eileen (Mcauliffe) Barrett and John J. Barrett. In his early days John was a spectacular athlete taking after his father who played in the major leagues for the Pittsburgh Pirates. John graduated from St. Johns Prep in Danvers in 1960 and was inducted into their initial Athletic Hall of Fame class for his football and track skills. He will forever hold the school records for the 100- and 220-yard dash races. John received a full scholarship to Boston College and played for the Eagles from 1961–64. He was drafted by the Patriots in 1964 but was unable to make the final roster. John went on to become a teacher and football coach for Lawrence High in the late 1960s and '70s. He also spent those years engaged with the track and field community becoming a Massachusetts track official and starter. He was inducted into the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015.
After retiring from teaching in the mid 1980s John went onto a career as a salesman in the golf industry. He toured much of New England visiting local golf courses and county clubs, utilizing his affable personality and competitive knowledge to become a nationally recognized salesman. He retired to Fort Meyers, Fla., spending over 20 years at Fiddlesticks Country Club community, creating new friendships and enjoying his favorite pastime. He moved back to the northeast to spend time with his family. He truly enjoyed and took great pride in watching his oldest grandson play football for St. Johns Prep.
John is predeceased by his wife of 38 years and mother of their two sons, Marcia (Nichols) Barrett (1943–2002). The pair met in high school and got married during their college years. She was his true love and left this world far too early. After the passing of his wife, John began a relationship with a lifelong family friend, neighbor, and confidant; Ann Shields who was with him when he passed. They enjoyed many years of companionship together both in Florida and back in the northeast.
John is survived by his sisters Tricia Barrett of San Diego, Calif., Cathy Caffery of York, Maine, and beloved cousin David Crowley of Boston, Mass.; his sons John Barrett III of Bethesda, Md., his wife Adilaide and their children Peter, Augie, and Ellen, Michael Barrett of North Andover, Mass.; his wife Kathleen and their children Nicholas and Matthew. He will be truly missed by all as his life and presence has left a void that will forever remain unfilled.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, July 8, 2021, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Conte Funeral Home, 17 Third Street, North Andover, MA 01845. A funeral Mass will be celebrated also on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael's Church, 196 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845. Burial will follow in Ridgewood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Mass General Hospital Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.
Published on July 4, 2021