John A. Barrett

John A. Barrett, 79 of Greenfield, MA passed away on January 18, 2023 with his loving wife Carol and children by his side.  John was the son of Anna and Paul Barrett of Greenfield, MA. 

He was a lifelong resident of Greenfield, graduating from Greenfield High School class of 1962.  John went on to attend the Stockbridge school of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts where he earned an Associate Degree in Landscape Design. 

During the Vietnam era, John enlisted in the Army and served several years for the armed services receiving an honorable discharge.  He was passionate about serving the Greenfield community, doing so with great dedication. John was elected to the position of Franklin County Register of Probate in 1974, serving 28 years in office. Among his many accomplishments during his tenure, John was instrumental in modernizing the present Franklin County Family and Probate Court. 

John was involved in the Greenfield community as a Selectman, Chairman of the Recreation Commission, Director of the Bar of Advocate Program, Chair of the Board of Selectman, Organizer of the Cancer Fundraiser Jail & Bail, Chairman of the Greenfield Democratic Town Committee, Elected to the Greenfield Charter Commission, Town Meeting Member, Past President of the Greenfield Minor Baseball League, Coach of P.A.L Little League Baseball Team, and Past President of the Lions Club. 

In retirement he enjoyed his time renovating and spending time at his beach houses in Southern Maine with his family and friends. 

He was an enthusiastic skier, and sports advocate.  He taught his children how to ski, play tennis, basketball, baseball, and softball.  He loved to garden and landscape his homes in Greenfield and Maine.  Among all his activities his favorite was walking the beaches in Maine.

The most important thing to John was his family.  He was married to his high school sweetheart, Carol, for over 56 years with whom he raised three children.  He adored watching his three children Elizabeth, Matthew, and Kathryn grow up with sports, and raising their own families.  He also loved going on family trips with his grandchildren Jennifer, Ryan, Ann, Madelyn, Olivia, and Caroline.  

John was preceded in death by his mother and father, Anna and Paul Barrett, siblings, sister Elizabeth Barrett, brother Paul Barrett, sister Claire Smick, sister Marie Klepacki.  He is survived by his loving wife Carol of Greenfield, daughter Elizabeth Jaehnig and husband Michael Jaehnig of Braintree, MA, son Matthew Barrett and wife Patricia Barrett of Greenfield, MA, and daughter Kathryn Clewell and husband David Weatherwax of Hilton Head Island, SC, grandchildren Jennifer Jaehnig, Ryan Jaehing, Ann Clewell, Madelyn Barrett, Olivia Barrett, and Carolina Barrett.  He is also survived by his sister Joan Pelletier of Greenfield, Martin Barrett and wife Maryanne Barrett of Jupiter, FL, sister-in-law Jeanne Barrett of Southington, CT, sister-in-law Gail Brewer and husband Wayne Brewer of Ofallon, MO, sister-in-law Bethany Graziadei and husband Joseph Graziadei of Biddeford Pool, ME, and many nieces and nephews.  He will always be remembered for his long stories, love of local and national politics, kind heart, funny wit, and dedication to his community and family.

A private service will be held for the family at Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Greenfield on Sunday, January 22, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Meal on Wheels through Life Path, Inc. 101 Munson St., Suite 201 Greenfield, MA 01301.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John A. Barrett, please visit our floral store.