John "Jack" Barrett

On Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the age 90, Jack passed from this life to join those who made the journey before him. Jack of Upper St. Clair (long time resident of Squirrel Hill) was raised in a large, boisterous, loving, Irish family in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Jack was a lifelong member of St. Paul Cathedral parish and attended both Pittsburgh Central Catholic and Schenley High schools, as well as Duquesne University. He was the eldest son of the late John and Helen (Ridge) Barrett. Jack took-on at the young age of 15, a support role for his widowed mother in helping to raise three youngersiblings. Jack lived a colorful, storied life. He served as an MP in the United States Army. Jack also served for thirty years in the capacities of President and Business Agent of IUPAT DC 57 (International Union of Painters and Trades District Council 57), Local 479. Jack served for seven years on the inaugural Sports and Exhibit Authority (formerly Stadium Authority of Pittsburgh); and was a long time, active member in Democratic political circles within Allegheny County. Then there is the love story. Jack met, fell in love and married the formidable, fashionable love of his life Annabelle (Lebeau) Barrett on February 14, 1963 in New York City. Jack and Annabelle created an admirable, loving partnership and a beautiful home for their daughter Caroline. Family was always most important to Jack and one rarely saw Jack without his daughter, a sibling, cousin, niece or nephew in tow. In addition to his late parents and wife, Jack was preceded in death by his siblings Richard "Dicky" Barrett (Virginia), Carol Barrett Coyne (John "Jaybird"), and Paul Barrett as well as several cousins (and best friends). Jack is survived by his daughter Caroline Barrett Douglass (Rob) of Upper St. Clair and grandchildren Barrett Wyland (fiancé Paige Borst), Gavin Wyland, Sarah Douglass and Christopher Douglass. Jack is also survived by his dear sister-in-law and brother in law Barbara Lebeau and Tom Aspell, as well as many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. Jack will be missed by all and remembered for his loyalty, charm, quick wit, athleticism, fierce abilities to represent union members and negotiate a contract, and of course his prowess on the golf course. Visitation will be on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh PA 15213 (freyvogelfuneralhome.com). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland on Tuesday January 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to PATCH Painters and Allied Trades for Children's Hope, 101 Ewing Road, Carnegie PA 15106.
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