Leo J. Barrett, Sr.

Leo J. Barrett, Sr., known as ‘Big Leo’, age 84, of Everett and Lynnfield, passed away on January 20 at Salem Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. The world has truly lost a larger-than-life person who always wanted the best for everyone, most importantly making sure that all who came into his presence left with a smile on their face and an everlasting memory to cherish forever.

Leo was forever proud to be a ‘kid from Everett,’ especially when he would remind everyone that he was from the legendary Woodlawn section of the city. Born in Everett on December 4, 1940, he was the beloved son of the late Gerald and Marion (Power) Barrett. For a man who accomplished so much personally and professionally, his greatest honor was simply being a ‘Son of a Fisherman.’

Leo was raised and educated in Everett and was immensely proud of his ‘Crimson Tide’ roots. While attending Our Lady of Grace School and Everett Public Schools, he made numerous lifelong friends who he considered family and loved deeply throughout his life. Anyone who knew Leo found a true friend, whose loyalty was unmatched, and in whom they could rely for anything they ever needed.

Graduating from Everett High School during the idyllic era of Camelot, Leo was greatly inspired by American pride and the call to public service, heeding the bold challenge of his idol, President John F. Kennedy, to give back to his country. Leo chose to meet this generational challenge by serving the city that had given him so much. He proudly held top leadership positions on both the Everett Board of Aldermen and the City Council. During his time as an elected official, he was a trailblazer on many issues confronting the community he proudly served. He was particularly proud to use his leadership role to ensure that the ‘youth of Everett’ had everything they needed to succeed and to thank the senior citizens for all they had done for their city by providing them with the best services in their golden years.

In true Everett fashion, Leo met his wife, Kathleen Fitzgerald, in a classroom at Everett High School. The two went on to start a family whose roots were firmly planted in the city he loved so much. He and his wife raised their family in Everett before eventually moving to Lynnfield, where they had been longtime residents. Throughout his life, Leo remained deeply connected to Everett, often returning to visit friends and reminisce about the community that shaped him.

Leo loved his children and grandchildren more than life itself. Whether it was coaching his children’s sports teams, bringing his children and their friends to Brigham’s for ice cream, or whisking them away on spontaneous trips to go skiing, ‘Big Leo’ always made sure his children and their friends had the absolute best time, with the biggest smiles on their faces. While he did not know much about the sports he coached, he knew everything about what it took to make a young child happy. For Leo J. Barrett, winning was never the most important thing—what mattered most was seeing his children and their friends find true joy in life.

Papa Barrett left behind a truly special group of grandchildren who embodied the best qualities of their loving grandfather. His enduring legacy will live on through them, and he took great pride in who they have become. Their success was truly the sparkle in his eye. Each one of them carries a piece of his loving kindness and generosity, and his influence will continue to shape their lives for years to come.

As mentioned, Leo was the beloved husband of Kathleen A. (Fitzgerald). He was the loving father of Leo J. Barrett, Jr., and his wife Jill, Jeanna Doyle and her husband Tim, Christopher J. Barrett and his wife Elizabeth, and Kristen L. Barrett, all of Lynnfield. He was the adoring grandfather of Brianna, Ashley, and Patrick Barrett, Braden and Ava Doyle, and Kaylee and Michael Barrett. He was the brother of the late Katherine and her late husband Captain Alvin Hibbs Ret USN, the late Hilda and her late husband John McCarthy, Theresa and her late husband David X. Foley, Jean and her late husband John Tammaro, Margaret and her husband Joseph Eliseo, and the late Gerald and his wife Laurie. He was also predeceased by his beloved cousin and ‘brother,’ Leo J. Byrnes. Leo is also lovingly remembered by his many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as his dear Byrnes cousins.

He also left behind his longtime friend, Jean Chronowski, and many friends at the Everett Villa Co-op. True to his nature, he made countless friendships and left a lasting impression with his wonderfully big smile, colorful stories, and his regular quip, 'I love ya, man,' to anyone who walked by as he enjoyed his daily cigar. His presence brightened everyone's day.

Honoring Leo’s wishes, funeral services will be privately held at the Saint Maria Goretti’s Church. Arrangements were entrusted to the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield. A memorial mass will also be held at a later date at Saint Anthony’s Church in Everett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo’s memory to help another ‘Kid from Everett’ by contributing to the EHS Scholarship Fund, c/o Everett Public Schools, 121 Vine St., Everett, Massachusetts 02149.

May God bless Leo J. Barrett, and may Our Lady of Grace welcome him home. Let us each take a moment to recall a memory of him that brings a smile or causes you to laugh uncontrollably, for that would be the greatest tribute to ‘Big Leo’!