Richard "Dick" Barnett

Richard "Dick" Barnett passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024, on his 85th birthday, completing his "full circle" of life.

Richard was born on September 12, 1939 in Boston, MA and attended Boston public schools, graduating from Boston Technical High School in 1957. In 1961 he graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology with a Mechanical Engineering degree and then continued his studies later in life at Northeastern University. Richard was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, serving his country from 1961-1967. Richard met and married his soulmate Joanne Barnett (Russis) in 1965 and together they made their home in Westford, MA for over 50 years.

Richard worked many years as a Mechanical Engineer at companies including Wang Laboratories, General Dynamics, Presstek and MIT's Lincoln Laboratories, the latter where he worked for 16 years before retiring in 2018. One of his favorite things to do was to take his grandson to work, both to show him off and to show him all the projects he was working on.

Richard's greatest joys were the moments he spent with his family. From coaching his son's and daughter's Little League baseball teams in Westford to bowling with his wife in area candlepin leagues. He loved swimming, body surfing, skiing, fishing, playing tennis, baseball and hockey. He was also a big fan of all the local sports teams, especially the Bruins. Richard enjoyed family times at his second home on Cape Cod, trying out new restaurants with his wife and friends, playing games with his grandchildren, telling them silly jokes and watching the 4th of July fireworks with them from his porch. He also loved barbeques and spending time outside grilling for his family. Richard was the kindest, most generous, hardworking man and would help anyone in need. He will be forever missed.

Richard is survived by his devoted daughter, Stacey and her husband Chris Kurhajetz of Lowell, MA; beloved grandchildren, Nile and Leah; sister, Patricia Preston of Fairhope, AL and brother-in-law, Joseph Russis of Dennis, MA. His memory will live on in the hearts of many other family members and close friends. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his true love, his wife, Joanne, beloved son, Robert “Bobby”, brother-in-law, Harold Preston and his loving parents, Richard and Irene (Moog) Barnett.

A private family burial with military honors took place at Pine Grove Cemetery, 68 Forge Village Rd, Westford, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's memory, to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114-2699, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/boston/about-us/ways-to-give