Robert M. Barrett

Robert M. Barrett, 93, of Bedford, died at his home on October 30, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Farmington, Utah on March 3, 1920, he was the son of the late Edward and Jeanette Barrett. He was educated at the University of California Berkeley and was a World War II Army veteran. He moved to Boston to begin his career as a physicist. Initially employed by Lincoln Labs, he eventually moved to Bedford in the mid-1950s when a job opened at Hanscom Field. He worked there for 39 years. At the time of his retirement in 1980 he was the Director of the Solid State Sciences Division. In 1992, he received the Pioneer Award of the Microwave Theory and Technology Society of IEEE for the development of strip transmission line (the microwave printed circuit). His work in the field led to critical growth in technology and research. Following his retirement, he began a new career in photography and opened Barrett Photography in Bedford. Having studied with famed New York City photographer, Bernice Abbott, he enjoyed his second career for many years. He was the husband of the late Helen (Schauppner) Barrett who died in 1987, father of David Barrett who died in 2012 and father-in-law of the late James Shaughnessey who died this year. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Shaughnessey of Stow, his brother, Edward Barrett and sisters, Margaret Dietz and Virginia Rogers, grandchildren, Timothy Shaughnessey of Palmer, Brian Shaughnessey of Stow and Andrew and James Barrett of Leominster, great grandchildren, Dillon and Louise Shaughnessey and his daughter-in-law Elizabeth Barrett of Bedford. Funeral services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Arrangements in the care of Bedford Funeral Home.