Alan "Big Al" Barrett

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden death of our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, family member, and your pal "Big Al", Alan Richard Barrett on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at age 77. He had been a resident of Monmouth Beach for 25 years, then West Long Branch, retiring to Barnegat in 2019.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Alan lived a truly fascinating life before settling in Monmouth County, N.J. for more than 40 years where he owned and operated many businesses, most famously Big Al's of the original Long Branch Pier up until the boardwalk fire of 1987. Following the fire, Alan started an all-in-one outdoor advertising business in 1988 called Promotion Rental Service and was proudly known for erecting huge inflatable balloons onto buildings and operating WWII-era carbon searchlights.
Prior to opening Big Al's, Alan served five years in the U.S. Air National Guard as a Shore Patrolman prior to getting his undergraduate degree at C.W. Post (Long Island University) and teaching degree at Montclair State College. He was a teacher passionate about giving people opportunities to succeed in their careers. He started the Distributive Education program at North Brunswick Township High School where he was devoted to career-related studies and helping people simultaneously learn in the classroom while receiving on-the-job training.
He was a larger than life, one-of-a-kind man who adored his family. Outspoken, affectionate, and hilarious, he never missed an opportunity to make a joke or tell you a story. He was a fast friend to everyone he met, and then a lifelong one. More than anything, Alan was a dedicated family man. He loved traveling the world and cruising with Mary. He was a connoisseur of cuisines and enjoyed every meal to the fullest.
Alan is survived by the love of his life, his best friend, and his adoring wife of 40 years, Mary; his daughters, Nicole Petraitis and her husband Jacob, and Jessie Barrett; grandsons Harrison, Max, and Ignatius; his brother, Mitchel Barrett; his sisters and brothers-in-law Robert and Karen Loehr and Linda and John O'Connell; his nieces and nephews Billy, Bobby, Michael, Ryan, Nolan, Hannah, and Shannon, as well as many cousins, extended family, and countless dear friends who he loved. Alan was predeceased by his mother, Betty Barrett, and father Mac.
A celebration of life will be held at Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Ave Long Branch, NJ on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with Words of Remembrance to begin at 1:30. All who knew and loved Big Al are welcome to attend and share fond memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like everyone to enjoy what Alan loved most - treat yourself to dinner with loved ones from your favorite Chinese restaurant while sharing memories of him.
The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.