John Anthony Barrett

John A. Barrett, 83, of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Brandywine Living at Fenwick Island in Selbyville, Delaware.

John was born on August 12, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Stephen Francis Barrett and Margaret (Walsh) Barrett. He grew up in Havertown, Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, Class of 1960, in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He went on to attend Mount St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting, in 1964. He also attended Drexel University's MBA program.

Shortly after graduating, John proudly answered the call to serve his country. He was commissioned into the United States Navy on November 20, 1964, and honorably discharged on September 17, 1968, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. During the Vietnam War, he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid for two years, an experience he regarded with great pride. He often recounted his exciting memories on the Intrepid, such as steering the aircraft carrier and witnessing the ship's successful retrieval of the astronauts of Gemini 3 upon their re-entry to Earth. Additionally, he served two years as Armed Forces Police in New York City, where he met his wife, Joan.

John began his business career in Philadelphia, first as an auditor at Scott Paper Company and then as Controller at CBS Publishing. He went on to build a long and distinguished career as a senior financial executive across the printing, publishing, and logistics industries. He served as Chief Financial Officer for Diversified Printing Corporation and later as Vice President of Sales Operations at Maxwell Communications and Vice President of Finance at Arcata Graphics. His leadership continued as Chief Financial Officer at University Press of America, BDP International, and Uponor North America, where he guided organizations through growth, restructuring, and major operational change. He concluded his corporate career as a consultant for Safety Kleen Systems, helping the company navigate a challenging Chapter 11 reorganization.

After relocating to Delaware, John embarked on his most fulfilling professional chapter - opening and operating The UPS Store in Ocean View, Delaware, which he proudly ran with his wife, Joan, for the past 23 years. John's life revolved around his store, and he remained actively involved in its day-to-day operations right up until the time of his passing.

Throughout his time in Delaware, he enthusiastically participated in many community events. For 15 years, John and his family were a part of the Bethany Beach Fourth of July Parade, driving through the town to support UPS and other local businesses. He enjoyed decorating the car used for the parade with his family. He was also involved in the Fire and Ice Festival, sponsoring a UPS ice sculpture each year.

Outside of work, John's greatest joy was his family, especially his five granddaughters, whose academic achievements and pursuit of higher education filled him with immense pride. Gathering with extended family each Thanksgiving also made him particularly happy. John was proud that Barrett/Walsh Thanksgiving reunions, which began in 1961 at Whites Mill, "The Farm," still continue.

John was a member of Mason Dixon VFW Post 7234 in Ocean View, active in the local Chamber of Commerce, and a parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church in Bethany Beach.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his three brothers, Joseph Barrett, Francis Barrett, and William Barrett.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joan V. (Lyncheski) Barrett; his two children, John A. Barrett, Jr. and his wife Beth of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Stephanie McCall and her husband James A. McCall III of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and his cherished granddaughters, Devin McCall, Anna Barrett, Chloe McCall, Ava Barrett, and Evlin McCall. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Kathleen Barrett of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Sondra Barrett of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, and Lynda Barrett of Newark, Delaware, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Delaware, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in John's name to the Intrepid Museum. You can make a donation at this link: https://intrepidmuseum.org/join-give/become-donor/make-gift