Richard J. Barrett, 73 of Mattapoisett died December 30, 2019 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital after a period of declining health.
He was the husband of Patricia Nicholson.
Born and raised in New Bedford, son of the late Edward and Yvonne (Masse) Barrett, he lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.
He was formerly employed as an instructor in the automotive department at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School for many years until his retirement.
“Dickie”, when not helping others or out and about socializing with his large network of friends, could usually be found in his work shop, affectionately known as the “Sawdust Café”. He was a true perfectionist when working or helping others with projects. He had a lifelong interest and knowledge of all things mechanical and structural. He always was willing to help his friends with anything at anytime, anywhere if they had an emergency. Those who knew him could count on him and he was always at the ready and available to provide advice, tools, or with anything related to all aspects of construction, word working, or home projects regardless of the magnitude of the job. He took pride in his ability to remain true to his Northern New Bedford roots and stayed close with his very large family. Dick was most proud of his professional accomplishments and the students whose lives he positively affected while working and retiring as an automotive instructor at the Greater New Bedford Vocational High School. Dick loved participating in all outdoor and athletic activities that were available to him, including, skiing, boating, riding his Indian motorcycle, tennis, softball and working out at the “Club”. In his later years, he participated regularly in yoga and pickle ball. Dick had a unique ability to meet a stranger while out socializing and shortly thereafter become good friends with them because he possessed the ability to connect with others either with his sense of humor, or easy way of communication. His smile is legendary, and exemplified the good natured man that he was. Needless to say, Dick will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Survivors include his wife; 5 brothers, Roland Barrett and his wife Patti of Milford, James Barrett and his wife Nancy of Mattapoisett, Rene Barrett and his wife Dawne of Easton, Edward Barrett and his wife Evelyn of Lakeville and Charles Barrett and his wife Cheryl and Godson CJ of Dartmouth; 3 sisters, Jeanine Sasseville and her husband Gene and Goddaughter Susan of New Bedford, Claire Tellier and her husband John of Norwich, CT and Celeste Paleologos and her husband Phil of New Bedford; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Marc Barrett.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 11th at 11 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 121 Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Visiting hours will be Friday, January 10th from 3-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Rt. 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mattapoisett Community Sailing Association Inc., P.O. Box 947 Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
