John Barnett

October 28, 2023

John Roy Barnett, age 78, passed away on October 28, 2023, in Stamford, CT. He was the son of the late Dr. Roy Barnett and Margaret Davidson Barnett. John’s sister, Edith Barnett, also predeceased him.

John was a resident of Norwalk, CT since 1975. He grew up in Westport, CT, where his family enjoyed boating and fishing on Long Island Sound. He attended Westport public schools and Milford Academy before graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1967. Following his graduation, John dutifully served in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, where he worked in radio/communications. He was honorably discharged in 1971.

Professionally, John excelled as a sales manager for various wholesale food distributors, including Musante, Berman & Steinberg in Bridgeport and American Frozen Foods in Stratford.

John will be remembered as a devoted husband to his wife, Cathy, and a loving father to his son, Eric. He was known for his sociable nature, sense of humor, and his ability to strike up conversations on a wide range of topics, including boating, fishing, sports, and current events. He ran in many Marine Corps marathons in Washington, DC, in the 1980s and ‘90s and many local half marathons. He also played on Norwalk softball teams. More recently, he enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family and walking his dog, Pedro, at Winslow Park in Westport, where he socialized with other dog owners.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cathy, of Norwalk and his son, Eric, of Westport, his brother, Dr. Ted Barnett (Carol), of Rush, NY, sisters-in-law, Stephanie Smith Siegfried and Sarah Smith, nephew, Nate Barnett (Ike Silver), nieces Rebecca Barnett, Liz Barnett, Karin Treadwell, and Christine Rampe (Kevin), as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in John’s memory to be made to Fairfield County House and Hospice, located at One Den Road, Stamford, CT.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be announced at a later date.