Timothy James (Tim) Barrett, 72, of Lambertville, Michigan passed away peacefully Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Ebeid Hospice Center. Tim was born in Hazelton, PA on July 2, 1951, to Tony and Rita (Waples) Barrett. Tim was their second son (big brother, Tom and little sister, Esther). Tim was raised on Pine Top Dairy Farm in Athens, PA. Anyone that has spent time on the farm will agree that it is a special place. Tim loved to share stories of his childhood; roaming the hills, milking the cows, rescuing animals (deer and fox to name a few). Tim was a great student at Athens High School but an even better wrestler. After high school Tim attended Penn State University before heading off to the U.S. Navy. It was on the way to boot camp that Tim met the love of his life. He met a pretty girl who had also enlisted, Annette Forrest. The Navy was the beginning of their love story. Over the course of boot camp, they sent each other letters and finally had their first date after graduating. By then they were in love. Tim went on to Nuke Power School in Chicago and Annette was stationed in San Diego. They continued to write letters and make weekly phone calls. Six months after they met, on February 14, 1975, they were engaged and July 3, 1975, they were married. During their years in the Navy, they welcomed their first 2 daughters, Jennifer and Tiffany. Tim served on a fast attack submarine, the U.S.S. Lapon during his active-duty time. In 1980 Tim was Honorably Discharged from the Navy and began working at Zimmer Power Plant in Moscow, OH. They resided there for 4 years. In 1984 the family moved to Michigan and welcomed their third daughter, Jessica.
Tim and Annette built a beautiful life for their 3 daughters. Tim was the most loving, fun, and caring father a child could hope for. Tim cherished Annette. Their love for one another was a beautiful example to their daughters. Tim was a lifetime devout Catholic and member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for 40 years, singing in the choir, playing on their softball team, a sacristan, member of Cursillo and Knights of Columbus. It was at church softball that they formed friendships with other families that became affectionately known as The Circle of Friends. The love and support from these dear friends have been a source of joy for many years and they have become more like family.
Tim worked at Fermi for 30 years, retiring in 2014. After retiring Tim and Annette were able to take some amazing trips to Japan, the Holy Land, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, and Ireland to name a few. But what really brought Tim joy was time spent with family and friends. Tim adored his kids, 11 grandchildren, son’s -in-law and family and friends and his wife of 48 years. Tim also loved the Penn State Nittany Lions football team.
Tim is survived by his wife, Annette; his daughters and their spouses, Jennifer White of Conover, NC, Tiffany and Mike Sanders of Perrysburg, OH, Jessica and Tim Swanbeck of Toledo, OH; 11 grandchildren, Timothy, Aidan, Zachary, Maggie and Annie White, Natalie, Courtney and Gavin Sanders, Robbie, Paige and Maxwell Swanbeck; younger sister, Esther Urban; brother-in-law, Tom Urban; sisters-in-law, Kathy Barrett and Roberta Reynolds; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Rita Barrett; in-laws, Bob and Dona Forrest; brother, Tom; and son-in-law, John White.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. where a scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. by Deacon Marty Selmek. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church 8300 Lewis Ave Temperance, MI where there will be visitation in the church Narthex beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial of ashes will follow in the church cemetery with Military Honors conducted by Lambertville VFW Post 9656.
The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 East River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551. Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com.