Richard Barrett

"What does the Lord require? That you act justly, love tenderly, and walked humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8.
CANFIELD - Richard J. "Dick" Barrett died May 1 at 7:30 p.m. He passed away at home, where he had spent the last 18 months of his life, surrounded by family and friends. With the care and guidance of Hospice of the Valley and his loving wife, Nancy, he was able to remain comfortably at home and peacefully pass into new life. He is now with God and will forever be rewarded for his incredible life on earth!
Dick was born in Youngstown July 9, 1931. His parents, who have preceded him in death, were Richard T. and Isabelle Panton Barrett. He is survived by his younger brother, Bob (Carol) of Canfield.
Dick was educated in the local parochial school system, attending The Ursuline Academy, St. Columba's School, and St. Edward's School. He graduated from Ursuline High School in 1949, and then earned his degree in history from John Carroll University in 1953.
His experiences made him a huge advocate of Catholic education, and he subsequently provided 77 (not a typo!) total years of Catholic education to his five children, ranging from grade school to graduate school. In addition, Dick was incredibly proud of paying for seven college educations, which amounted to a total of 44 years (again, not a typo!) of college tuition.
Equally as important to Dick were his commitment to his faith and to sharing his time, talent and treasure with various organizations in our community. Faith, education, and service remain the greatest gifts he gave to his children and their families.
After graduating from college, Dick served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy from June 1953 to November 1956. His Navy service culminated on the USS San Joaquin County LST 1122, and he served as executive officer and navigator, ultimately qualifying for commander-at-sea. He always remembered his military service with great pride, and he loved sharing stories of his experiences in the Navy.
Dick returned from the Pacific and began his career by working at CS&S, then Kaiser Aluminum, and Hynes Steel Products.
During this time he met the love of his life, Nancy Ann Russ. They married in July 1959 and celebrated more than 54 years of marriage.
With their family growing, Dick left the steel industry and pursued a career in the financial industry, which he loved. Managing clients' money became a lifelong passion as he worked with Merrill Lynch, Fulton Reid and Staples, Paine Webber, and finally UBS. He retired in May 2006, but actively followed the stock market and provided consulting and financial services advice until his peaceful passing.
For Dick and Nancy, family continues to be their greatest combined achievement and their greatest source of pride. Their five children and 14 grandchildren include son Matt (Kate) Barrett of South Bend, Ind., with grandchildren Kevin, Wilson, Luke and Maggie; son Brad (Mary Ann) Barrett of Richmond, Ind., with grandchildren Drew and Erin; taller-than-Brad, son Brian (Kirsten) Barrett of Columbus, with grandchildren Brianna, Kaylee, and Sydney; favorite daughter Molly (Steve) Neiers of Houston with grandchildren Nate, Ellen, Thomas and Maria; and the youngest (not the baby) son Mark Barrett (Wendy Sherman) of Columbus, with granddaughter Grace.
Although Dick's many interests included golf, bridge club, travel, and reading, his greatest joys were family vacations, which started when his children left the nest and continued for almost 30 years. He loved just being with family - whenever, wherever, and however.
Dick joined St. Michael's Parish in 1968. He remained a parishioner for the rest of his life. Over the years, he served on the Finance Committee, led debt retirement efforts, and contributed to liturgies as a lector and usher. He served on the Diocesan Finance Council and joined Nancy as co-chairs for the Annual Bishop's Appeal in 2008. He also worshiped at St. Paul's Monastery.
In addition, Dick was highly committed to the schools that educated him, including Ursuline High School and John Carroll University. He was awarded "Alumnus of the Year" by Ursuline in 1997 and John Carroll in 1999. He also was a big supporter of Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, where all his children were educated. Among other organizations, Catholic Charities, the Ursuline Sisters, the Chesterton Club, the Beatitude House, and Immaculate Conception School were recipients of Dick's time, talent, and treasure.
Only behind faith and family came Dick's commitment to community service. For over 40 years, Dick was a warrior for the Canfield Rotary Club. A few of his many Rotary achievements include a perfect attendance record for more than 40 years; hosting more than a dozen Rotary exchange students; receiving the very first Spirit of Rotary Award, which recognized more than 40 years of unprecedented time and financial support; leading orientation sessions for new Rotarians, and serving as Club President.
Dick was beloved by all, and will be missed by all. His children will forever remember his dedication, drive, and commitment to "Faith, Family, Friends, and Service."
Affectionately called "Summo" by his children and "Captain Salty" by his grandkids, he is definitely a tough act to follow. He touched an incredible number of lives, and he definitely made the world a better place.
May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to any charity, including but not limited to a few favorites: Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512, (330) 788-1992; Catholic Charities - Diocese of Youngstown, 144 W. Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503, (330) 744- 8451; Society of Saint Paul, 9531 Akron Canfield Road, P.O. Box 595, Canfield, OH 44406, (330) 533-5503; Saint Michael Parish, 300 N. Broad Street, Canfield, OH 44406, Attn: Fr. Terry Hazel, (330) 533-6839; The Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 11, Canfield, OH 44406.
Friends may call on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel, 3701 Starr's Centre Drive in Canfield and on Tuesday morning from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Michael's Church in Canfield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m.
Mr. Barrett will be laid to rest next to his parents at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.
Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to view this tribute and send condolences online.