Dennis M Barrett

Dennis M. Barrett, 63, of Liberty Twp., died suddenly at his residence on Monday, June 20, 2016. Dennis was born August 27, 1952, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Marvin and Gertrude Lowry Barrett. Dennis owned and operated Barrett Plumbing Co. for over 30 years.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his children; Carlie Taylor of Liberty Twp., Lisa (Niko DePofi) of Atlanta, Georgia, Amy (Jason) Lucik, of Cortland, Kelly (John Nanovsky) Barrett of Cleveland, Michael Barrett of Liberty Twp., and Laura (Fiancee Shawn Shriver) Barrett of Hubbard, sister Linda (John) DeProfio of Liberty Twp., and four grandchildren, Mika, Eric, Emily, and Layne. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Carol Sabino.

It is difficult to sum up the life of one person in a paragraph.  Some people have lists of personal, academic, or professional achievements a mile long.  Others, their achievements are more subtle.  Our dad was such a person.  Saying that he ran his business for 30 years does not convey the years of single minded determination, back breaking labor, and sacrifice it took to keep not only the business afloat, but to also make enough money to keep his wife and six children fed, housed, and clothed.  Dad always put his children's needs before his own.  At some time, every child sees their father as a super hero.  We would sometimes joke behind his back and call Dad The Man of Steel because nothing, other than migraine headaches, would stop him from working.  And, just like Superman, Dad believed that truth and honor were the most important things in life.  If Dad told you he would do something, he did it.  He believed that his word was his bond.   Our dad was the most straight forward moral and honorable man I have ever known.  He is the standard by which all of his children measure themselves and the world.

This paints sort of a grim picture of Dad.  He was pretty grim sometimes.  He preferred to call himself a Realist rather than a pessimist.  Dad preferred to see things how they are rather than how they could be.  However, Dad was also possessed of a quick wit, very dry sense of humor, and a deep and abiding interest in American history, music, the supernatural, and, for some reason, The Cleveland Browns.  While most families went to the beach or an amusement park for vacation, we went to Old Fort Niagara, Gettysburg, and a couple of epic trips out west. Those trips were spent jamming to Led Zeppelin, Queen, and Bad Company and hearing the local legends and ghost stories along with the history. He had ridiculous nick names for all of us and we for him.  He would regale us with his stories of the Red Snake or the Gorilla that chased him when he was mowing the lawn.  Every time the Browns played he would be sitting in the living room rooting them on, only to be disappointed more often than not.  Yet, the very next game, there he would be again.  He never gave up on them.  That's the kind of guy he was.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 12:00 PM at Blackstone Funeral Home in Girard, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Dennis will be entombed at Girard City Cemetery next to his wife. Visit www.blackstonefuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send any condolences to the family.