Lawrence Thomas Barrett

Lawrence Thomas Barrett, 93, of Ft. Myers, FL, passed away on January 9, 2018. Larry was born on January 7, 1925, in Kingston, PA, the only child of the late Thomas Joseph Barrett and Anne (Marinko) Barrett. Larry grew up at his father’s homestead in West Wyoming, PA. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows Church, and his Catholic faith remained important to him throughout his life. In addition to his parents, Larry was predeceased by two infant children, Gerard and Madeleine, a special cousin, Alice Barrett Francis, special brother-in-law, Paul Gates, Aunt Annie (Barrett) and Uncle Charlie Stevens, Aunt Ann and Uncle Bill Peeler, Aunt Helen (Peeler) Aritz, among many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Larry enlisted in the Army on July 16th, 1943 at the age of 18 with his good friend, Paul Yamber. They proudly served their country in the 513th Parachute Infantry with the 17th Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge. Larry landed in England in August of 1944, was taken prisoner three days prior to his birthday in January of 1945, and held in a German POW camp until World War II ended eight months later. Larry graduated from West Wyoming HS where he played varsity football. After the war, he attended Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, PA where he earned a BA in Philosophy as a member of its first graduating class in 1950. He then attended Fordham University, and earned an MSW degree in 1953. Initially, Larry worked for Catholic Charities in New York and Wilkes-Barre, and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Later, he worked for (and retired from) the US Public Health Service, which took the family from Pennsylvania to Illinois, Delaware, Rhode Island, and finally, Maryland. After his retirement, Larry relocated to the warmth of Florida. He is survived by his former wife, Sally Boyle Barrett, their children Susanne Barrett Records (Mike), Tom Barrett, Jim Barrett, Judy Barrett Hintz, and Terri Barrett Dail (Dennis), their grandchildren Matthew Records (Andi), Joseph Records (Jennifer), Christine Records Callis (Travis), Timothy, Patrick, Daniel, and Brian Records, Elijah, Michael, and Rosie Hintz, Kevin Dail, and great-grandchildren Connor and Benjamin Callis, Patrick Records, Jr. and Jude Records (son of Joe and Jen). He is also survived by his cousins, Catherine Callahan McDaniel, Kathy (Aritz) Hornick, Annette (Aritz) Bozinko, Connie Francis, Joan (Francis) Rice, Mary Francis, and Tim Francis. Larry was a fan of the Washington Redskins, and Notre Dame football. He enjoyed wrestling in the living room, riding bikes, skiing, hiking in the woods and on the Appalachian Trail, camping trips, and canoeing adventures with his children. He was a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Mt. Top, PA, and the Rockville (MD) Running Club. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff of the Rose Garden (Ft. Myers, FL) and Hope Hospice (Lehigh Acres, FL) for their assistance in caring for Dad during the last several months of his life. A memorial service will be held at Buckingham Presbyterian Church on Sunday, January 21st at 3 pm. Viewing will be at Gendron Funeral Home in Lehigh Acres, FL on January 22nd from 11 am to 12:00 noon with a 2:00 pm burial at Sarasota National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, a donation could be made to King’s College or the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in the name of Lawrence T. Barrett.

Lawrence Thomas Barrett

January 7, 1925 - January 9, 2018