John J. Barrett

1936 - 2019

John. J. Barrett, 83, formerly of West Hartford, CT, died November 15, 2019. Jack was born October 5, 1936 in Derby and raised in Manchester, CT. He graduated from Manchester High School and Cheney Technical High School in 1954. After graduation, he joined the Connecticut National Guard serving until 1965 and leaving as a First Lieutenant. In 1954, he also began his lifelong career in the elevator industry. He soon became a mechanic, one of the youngest. He then went on to run his own successful elevator business "Elevator One". He was a proud lifelong member of the of the IEUC, local 91. In 1956, he met his soon-to-be bride Sheila Sullivan. They married in August, 1958. Jack and Sheila spent the next 61 years laughing and enjoying each other's company. Jack and Sheila first retired to Charlestown, RI. Jack bought a small boat and enjoyed puttering around the area, greeting old friends and making new ones. Jack and Sheila eventually moved to San Diego to be near their daughter. Jack became a dedicated member of the Seven Oaks Woodcrafters Club and used his talents as a ham radio operator to help the Rancho Bernardo Emergency Radio Service. Jack enjoyed his garden and gave his excess produce away. He especially enjoyed growing citrus fruit and, during the winter, describing it to his New England relatives and friends. When his grandson was born, Jack was overjoyed. The two spent their time laughing and joking around. He is survived by his beautiful wife Sheila Sullivan Barrett, his daughter Mary-Ellen Evans (Colin), his grandson Wyatt, his sisters Eileen "Sweetie" Hawley and Deborah Salewski, brothers-in-law and sisters-in law, many nieces and nephews, cousins including his "Valley" cousins, Mary Ellen, Susan and Anne and their families and many, many friends. Those who wish to remember Jack in a special way may donate to the Helen Woodward Animal Center, https://animalcenter.org. A celebration of the life will be held at the Hamburger Factory located at 14122 Midland Road, Poway, CA on March 7, 2020 from 2pm-4pm.