Joseph Anthony Barrett Jr.

Joseph Anthony Barrett Jr.

Joseph Anthony Barrett Jr., age 80, of Margate, N.J., passed away surrounded by his loving family in Galloway, N.J., on November 25, 2025 after a lengthy illness. Joe was born on August 2, 1945, in Detroit, Mich., to Joseph Barrett Sr. and Marie (Hurst) Barrett. One of five children, the family moved eastward, living on a farm in York, Pa., for part of Joe's childhood before moving to Atlantic City. Joe's family settled in the Inlet Section of Atlantic City on Dewey Place in the 1950's and Joe proudly proclaimed his Inlet heritage. Joe was a proud graduate of Holy Spirit High School's class of 1963, where he was a standout football player. He continued his education, earning a bachelor's degree from St. Joe's and a master's degree from Temple University. Professionally, Joe taught at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing, N.J., for 31 years. He retired as the chair of the English and Foreign Language departments in 2000. In addition to his teaching duties, Joe was active in Oakcrest HS athletics as a coach for the rowing, wrestling, and track and field teams. Joe also spent many years as an adjunct professor at Stockton University. Teaching was a career that could bridge the winter season so he could work at his true passion, as a lifeguard for the Atlantic City Beach Patrol. Beginning in 1962 Joe spent nearly 50 years protecting the citizens and visitors to the Atlantic City beaches. He retired at the rank of Captain. Joe was elected to the ACBP Hall of Fame in 2006 and received numerous commendations and honors from the City of Atlantic City for the performance of his duties. It was in this setting that Joe truly shined. As an unofficial historian of the ACPB, Joe regaled everyone with countless stories of heroism and chicanery that was the ACPB from the 60's through the 2000s. Joe was at his happiest when his grandchildren would come to "Pop Pop's Beach" for a day of fun in the sun under his watchful eye. It was at Holy Spirit HS where a pretty girl, and Miss Al-Ki Club winner, from the Ducktown section of town caught his eye. Joe was smitten with Joann Sacco and they married, settling in Margate, N.J. There, they raised a family of four children. Joe was also quite active in the Margate community and was a dedicated member of Blessed Sacrament Church for decades as a lector, minister, and teacher. Upon his retirement from teaching and the Beach Patrol, Joe and Joann traveled extensively with family and friends. Joe's later years were filled by spending time in the warm embrace of his family and by following the exploits of his beloved grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to attend a game or event to cheer them on. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joann. He is also survived by his children, Elizabeth Hendricks (Lee) of Egg Harbor Twp., Joseph (Kelly) of Margate, William (Rachel) of Rolesville, N.C., and James of Linwood. Joe is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Blair, Julia, Connor, James, and Benjamin; and by his siblings, Thomas of Brigantine and Elizabeth Dworsky of Northfield. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Marie; along with sisters, Toni Kelm and Anne Pollaci.

Visitation will take place at Blessed Sacrament Church located at Jerome and Ventnor avenues in Margate beginning at 10 a.m., on Monday, December 1. Mass will commence at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, in Mays Landing. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Kidney Foundation, give.kidneyfund.org.

George H. Wimberg Funeral Home

Linwood - Ventnor