Richard E. Dick” Barrett, 90, a resident of 927 Liberty Street in Franklin, died peacefully at 4:40am Wednesday, March 15, 2017 in The Caring Place of Franklin, following a period of declining health.

He was born October 10, 1926 in Franklin, a beloved son of the late: Charles “Leo” and Leona Jones Barrett. Dick’s grandfather, Stephen, from Ireland, resettled in Franklin in 1862 and Dick is the third generation of Barrett natives.

Dick graduated from the former Sacred Heart School, presently, St. Patrick School; as his father did before him.

He was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church in Franklin and was a longtime member of The Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree.

He was a former member of the Franklin Eagles Club.

During World War II, Dick worked on The Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN.

Dick was a plumbing apprentice for his father, Leo, and his Uncle Joe on Chestnut Street in Franklin and then later became a Master Plumber, working at the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Plant #2.

Dick had worked for many years with Eckert plumbing in Oil City. He had plumbed many local buildings including: The Franklin Y.M.C.A., the Oil City municipal swimming pool and Polk State School.

In his 60’s, Dick’s life was just getting going. He went to New York City to team up with his sons: Rick, Jeff, Steve and Drew and his grandsons: Chris and Brian. He was involved in many upscale renovations, which were featured in numerous architectural magazines.

One such project entitled, “Definitions 2”, a health club, designed by Charles Thanhauser, was winner of an AIA award in 1995 and was part of the Museum of Modern Art “Light in Construction” exhibit which featured 32 projects from around the world.

Dick also worked on the apartment of Philippe Petit, the tightrope walker who traversed The World Trade Center Towers in 1974. “Pops”, as Dick’s family often fondly referred him, met him and had a very interesting conversation about Petit sneaking up, dressed as a maintenance man, and shooting an arrow across to the other tower for an accomplice to string the line. Petit worked through the night so that he would be walking the rope overhead while people were going to work.

Dick has shared his love of music with his sons, playing together during their frequent visits. His most recent public appearance was as drummer with “The Barrett Family Band” at the Oil City Bluegrass Festival in February of 2015.

He was married October 26, 1948 in St. Patrick Church to the former Phyllis G. Kossman. The couple shared 58 wonderful years together. He and Phyllis enjoyed travelling and had visited Mazatlan and the Bahamas. They had also travelled to Poland and Canada. Sadly, Phyllis preceded him in death on November 1, 2006.

He is survived by his loving granddaughter, Delilah Stearns of Alexandria, VA; his children and their families: Richard E. Barrett, Jr. and wife Maria, of Staten Island, NY and their children, Devon of Portland, OR and Micaela Barrett of Cleveland, OH, Brian Barrett and wife Marla of Los Angeles, CA and their daughter, Kiara, Rebecca Barrett Lopez and husband Jesus of Raleigh, NC and their children, Ryan Lopez at home and Chris Becker and wife Paty, and their sons, Ehren and Conrad, all of Raleigh, NC, Diana R. Barrett Horton and her husband Dan of Franklin, Jeffrey Barrett and wife Diana of Cold Spring, NY and their son, Jay of Seattle, WA, Steve Barrett and wife Linda of Alexandria, VA and their son, Max of Richmond, VA, Andrew “Drew” Barrett of Franklin and his step-children, Hillary and Jamie and Robin Barrett of Franklin.

He is also survived by a brother, Charles Barrett of Portland, OR and by a sister, Joan Beith of Franklin; in addition to many loving nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Toni Barrett Stearns.

Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Timothy E. Hartle Funeral Home, 1328 Elk Street, Franklin. A Christian Wake Service will be conducted Sunday evening at 8:30 PM in the funeral home with Deacon Richard O’Polka of St. Patrick Church, presiding.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 11 AM in St. Patrick Church, 949 Liberty Street in Franklin, with Monsignor John J. Herbein, pastor officiating.

Interment will follow in St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be directed in his name to St. Patrick School, 952 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323.

Please visit: www.hartlefuneralhome.com for further information and to leave a note of condolence.