Frederick D. Barnett, 74, of Ledyard, died November 16, 2007 of cancer. Fred, known as Phil to family and friends, was born March 30, 1933 in New Haven, Connecticut to Charles R. and Helen Dudley Barnett. He met his wife Janet Holdridge while attending the University of Connecticut. They were married on June 19, 1955. His adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors became dominant themes as he and Janet raised their family. He loved camping, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, and all of his children and grandchildren learned to share those passions with him. Among his many accomplishments, he hiked the entire Long Trail in Vermont and much of the Appalachian Trail, and he kayaked the entire Connecticut coastline. Always searching for adventure, he traveled to 49 states and over 10 countries, making new friends wherever he went.
Phil selflessly helped family, friends, and community throughout his life with his unending energy and talents. As a teenager he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later served as a Scout leader for many years. He served his country as a U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant. For 27 years he was a Landscape Architect for the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation, leaving his creative mark on miles of state highways.
Above all else he was a devoted and loyal family man, proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by Janet, his wife of 52 years; their children, David and his wife Eileen of Boxborough, MA, Catherine of East Lyme, Lawrence and Robert of Ledyard, and Mark and his wife Nichole of Harrisburg, NC; his nine grandchildren, Sara, Daniel and Mari Nazzaro, and Jake, Marie, Michelle, Jenny, Molly and Mason Barnett; his twin brother Franklin “Jerry” Barnett of Westerville, OH, and his sister Lorraine Perry Barnett Bashor of Fayetteville, Arizona. He was predeceased by his brother Charles of Westhampton Beach, NY, and his son Jack.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Friday from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be held at the Ledyard Congregational Church on Saturday at 11 am, followed by a celebration of his life with the family in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, please remember Phil by taking a walk in the woods or lending a helping hand to a friend.
To share a message of remembrance/condolence with his family, please click the link below.