William N. Barret Jr.

William N. Barret, Jr.

Poughkeepsie - William Nelson Barret Jr, 92, died peacefully in his sleep on June 2, 2018.

Dad was born in Washington, DC to Kathleen W. Duke and W. Nelson Barret Sr. He grew up during the great depression amidst his extended family.

Dad joined the Navy in 1944, and was stationed in Hawaii. After WWII he returned to the University of Maryland to get a degree in Electrical Engineering. With guidance from his soon to be father in law he applied to and was accepted into Georgetown Law school to pursue a career in Patent Law. Dad worked for the US Patent Office while attending Law School in the evenings.

After graduation Dad accepted a job with IBM in Endicott, NY. His career then took him to Raleigh when IBM first opened the site, and then to Poughkeepsie, Purchase and Armonk, NY where he retired in 1989 as Corporate Counsel Intellectual Property Law for IBM for the US and Japan.

Dad married Virginia A. Linthicum in 1952. She predeceased him in 1995. He is survived by their four children - Virginia Perry Goldsmith (Joe), Poughkeepsie, NY, Kathleen W. Barret, Toronto, Ont, William N. Barret III, Albany, NY, Frances Anne Barret, Pine City, NY, two grandchildren - Alison E. Goldsmith, Woodbridge, Va, Sean C. Goldsmith(Alyssa), Fishkill, NY, and two great grandchildren Ben & Liam Goldsmith.

Dad's sister Ann Bounds(Bobby) and brother George Barret survive in Maryland. Dad was the oldest of the Duke cousins: they survive him as do his five nieces and nephews.

Dad took up golf in Raleigh and continued to play as a member of Dutchess Golf and Country Club up until his later years. It was there after the death of Mom that he met Julia Hamilton, New Hamburg, NY who has been his companion for the last 20 years.

When Dad retired, he and Mom went exploring Dad's roots in Virginia. Dad decided when the time came he wanted to be interred in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Va overlooking the James River where his ancestors are buried.

We would like to thank Angels on Call and Mid-Hudson Regional Visiting Nurses - notably Bridget and Kelly - who took care of Dad for the last 2 years.

Calling hours will be Wednesday June 6 from 4pm to 6pm at the William G Miller & Son FH, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave in Poughkeepsie. http://www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com/ before we take him to Richmond. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com