MICHAEL MENTZER BARRETT

DERBY, Conn. — Michael Mentzer Barrett, age 63, passed away peacefully on Nov. 29, 2023, at Bridgeport Hospital in Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his wife of 40 years, Jo-Anne Gallo Barrett, and their daughters Heather and Jessica Barrett of Derby, Conn.

Born on Sept. 15, 1960, in Burlington, Vt, Michael was the devoted son of Sandra Thompson Barrett of Ferrisburgh, Vt., and the late James Ronald Barrett (and wife Rena Barrett) of St. George, Utah. He spent his early years on the farm of his maternal grandparents, Donald and Edna Thompson (deceased), in Hanksville, Vt., where he enjoyed many childhood summers.

Michael graduated from Emmett O’Brien Vocational Technical High School in Ansonia, Conn., in 1978. He worked as a licensed electrician and maintenance superintendent for Valley Container in Bridgeport, Conn., for over 20 years. An avid auto enthusiast and NASCAR fan, Michael was known for his handy skills as a “Mr. Fix It.”

Mike cherished spending time with family and friends in Vermont, which he considered his home away from home. In addition to his wife, daughters, mother Sandra, and stepmother Rena, Michael is survived by his sister, Bonnie Burritt, and her husband Stanley of Monkton, Vt., and his brother Robert Barrett, and wife Karen of Canterbury, Conn. His beloved nephews and their families also survive Mike: Shawn Burritt with wife Cathy and children Caden, Connor and Chase; Justin Burritt and fiancée Ashley with children Isabella and Colton; and Tyler and Trey Barrett.

Michael also leaves behind aunts and uncles — Donna and Remo Pizzagalli, Diane and George Bennett, Judy and Erwin Brace, and David Thompson of Vermont; as well as Allen and Claudia Barrett of Texas and Colleen Barrett of Texas; along with many beloved cousins, second cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his birth father, Peter F. Malaney, and grandparents Howard and Ella Malaney and his adoptive grandparents Ronald and Verna Barrett. His uncle Allen Thompson and aunts Susan Thomas and Faye Pidgeon also preceded him in death.

A private interment will take place at Maplewood Cemetery in Huntington, Vt. ◊