Thomas Michael Barrett

Beloved father Thomas Michael Barrett, known to friends and family as Tom, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 80, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on June 21, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio. Tom was born on the Summer Solstice the longest day of the year. He died one day after the Winter Solstice... the shortest day of the year. There is a poetry to this that is significant.
Tom was a proud alumnus of St. Edward Catholic High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He formed lifelong friendships and often spoke fondly of his friend Jimmy Mulloy. Tom was the first person in his family to graduate from college. He was very proud of his college education from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, earning a Bachelor's Degree.
Tom served his country in the Army. During his time in the Army, he was awarded Expert and Marksman Badges for shooting skills. Tom was very proud to have been a Chaplain's Assistant in the army. A lifelong Catholic his faith was very important to him. He enjoyed attending Sunday masses as well as holiday services.
Tom's love for sports was unparalleled. An avid fan, he loyally supported his hometown teams, the Cleveland Browns and Guardians, as well as his adopted city's teams, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings. Tom loved college football his favorite team was Notre Dame Fighting Irish. One of his favorite memories was his friend Gordon Goldie taking him to the Tigers every year to see a game. His passion for sports was not just as a spectator; he was an accomplished golfer who cherished the serenity of the golf course. He often recounted with pride the day he achieved a golfer's dream: a hole-in-one at Bald Mountain Golf Course.
Tom always enjoyed being active. He not only loved golf. He enjoyed running, racquetball, and riding his bike. Later in his life he loved taking his dog Jet for walks.
Tom always had a book in his hand. His love for reading, particularly action-adventure novels like the Jack Reacher series and historical fiction was something he enjoyed all of his life. He was an avid newspaper crossword puzzler especially the Sunday crossword.
He is survived by his daughters, Bridget and Michelle Barrett, and his sister, Helen Wimmers... and his beloved dog Jet.
Tom Barrett was a complex person who had a strong spiritual faith but also questioned everything. He took pride in being honest and having integrity in his life.
He will be missed.
The family will receive guests on Wednesday, January 28th from 10 am until the time of his funeral Mass at 10:30 am at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 581 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI. Military Honors and inurnment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI at 2:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind.