Thomas L.F. Barrett

Thomas Leon Francis Barrett, 87, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family while the Phillies beat the Mets and Kyle Schwarber hit his 50th home run of the season. Born and raised in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Tom graduated from Shenandoah Catholic as the star quarterback of the football team. Tom trained as a marine before moving to the big city to find work. He found a job as a safe cracker, and eventually advanced his education, earning a PhD in Computer Science that resulted in long careers at G.E. and Lockheed Martin. Tom’s wife, Helene, has been a constant in his life since their youth in Shenandoah. One night, Tom and his friends were crashing a high school dance and Tom needed a date. He told his friends that he would ask whoever walked out of the women’s bathroom next. As Tom “Pop” often told his granddaughters, the woman who walked out of the bathroom was in a beautiful blue dress, and her name was Helene Ryan: the head cheerleader at their high school. That chance encounter led to a 62-year marriage, three children, seven granddaughters, and countless memories. The Barrett family spent their time vacationing in Avalon, watching Phillies and Eagles games, swimming at Clifton Pool, and taking countless trips to Disney World. Tom was incredibly proud of his Catholic faith, serving as Eucharistic minister and lector at Sacred Heart Church in Clifton Heights, where he and Helene were beloved members. He also published two books, fixed all of our computers constantly, and bought more treats and snacks for the house than anyone could possibly consume. Tom was determined to never grow up. He kept the spirit of Christmas alive for our family by insisting that he still believed in Santa, even in his 80s, and his Donald Duck impression was so accurate that kids would turn their heads and look at him in awe when they heard it. He never turned down an adventure, and was always up for a day at the zoo, aquarium, putt-putt, the movie theater, or a trip to McDonald’s to get his granddaughters (and himself) Happy Meals. He was an animal lover, always storing treats in his car in case he ran into any dogs and their owners would allow him to give them a treat. Tom would do anything and everything for his family, which was the most important thing in his life. He attended all of his kids’ and granddaughters’ games and performances, taking constant pictures and videos to capture every moment. If anyone in the family needed a favor or was in trouble, Tom dropped everything immediately to be by their side. Tom is predeceased by his sister Theresa Clark; brothers-in-law Cyril “Buzz” Clark, John Ryan, and Vincent Ryan; and his son-in-law Andrew DePiero. He is survived by his wife Helene Barrett; his brother Jerry (Patricia); his daughters Kathleen and Maureen (Timothy); his son Thomas (Brenda); granddaughters Katelyn, Brooke, Lauren (Cullen) Rebecca, Lindsey, Jordan (Brenton), and Madison (Joseph); and his great-grandchildren Adair, Brenton, and Violet. Most importantly, he is survived by his best buddy, Chester Barrett: his gray cat. Visitation: Monday, 10:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, 316 E. Broadway Ave, Clifton Heights, Pa 19018 Funeral Service: Monday, 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church. Interment: Private In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Thomas L.F. Barrett

July 19, 1938 - September 9, 2025