John F. Barrett, passed away suddenly on Wednesday September 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Worcester, and was a beloved Husband, Father, Grumpa, Son, Brother, Uncle, Godfather and friend.
One of twelve children, John grew up in Main South, Worcester in a large, close-knit Irish
Catholic family. He attended South High, where he played basketball. His upbringing shaped the person he became, and his brothers and sisters remained a special and vital part of his life throughout the year. Their strong and determined mother taught them that resilience and family were among the most important things in life. He was the brother that all relied on.
John learned the value of hard work at a young age, beginning his working years at Big D and
later Price Right. Along the way, he formed friendships that would last a lifetime. Later, he
reconnected with Nancy, the woman who would become his loving wife and lifelong best friend. Nancy’s soothing support, calm and steady presence and unwavering love gifted John with a new lease on life that brought him great joy.
John was the proud and loving father of Megan Barrett and her partner, Joe, of Southbridge;
Scott Barrett of Spencer; and Matt Barrett and his partner, Charlotte, of Worcester.
Hard working and loyal at heart, he led by example, but most importantly, he taught his children how to be “good people.”
In later years, he proudly attended the activities of his nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Perhaps no title brought John more joy than “Grumpa.” He adored Nathan and
Mia, who brought tremendous happiness to his life. He treasured their time together, loved
making them laugh and took great pride in watching them grow.
John loved sports and especially enjoyed sharing them with the people he cared about. He was a devoted Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. He especially
enjoyed attending Celtics and Woo Sox games with his grandson Nathan.
Along the way and especially during his retirement, John most enjoyed tee time with Nancy and his boys, where he proudly broke 40 twice and even made a hole-in-one.
John leaves his sisters, Dorothy DiGeronimo of Auburn, Judith Brosnihan and husband, Paul of Charlton, Julianne Genatossio of Millbury, Maureen Bane and husband, Michael of Worcester, Deborah Boland and husband Jack of Rutland, Beth Boyle and husband, Kevin of Grafton; and brothers, Robert Barrett and partner Donna of Worcester, Thomas Barrett and wife, Renee of Fall River, David Barrett of Somerset, and James Barrett of Worcester.
John also leaves behind his always supportive Uncle Richard J Malley, and the mother of his children, Kathy Murphy Barrett. John leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews,
great-nieces and great-nephews or, as John himself would often joke, “there are too many to name or count.”
John was predeceased by his beloved mother, Marguerite (Malley) Barrett; his brother, Richard Barrett; brothers-in-law Michael DiGeronimo and Samuel Sbrogna.
His funeral is Wednesday, October 7th with his funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, 931 Main Street. (Please go directly to church). Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Tuesday, October 6th from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. Peter’s Church, c/o Basketball Program, 929 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610.