Obituary: David J. Barrett

David J. "Pa" Barrett, 66 of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away on July 9, 2016, in his home surrounded by family. He was born on Dec. 19, 1949, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to parents Thomas Barrett and Betty Barrett.  

Dave grew up on a farm and carried that necessary work ethic throughout his life. 

David was a graduate of West Hazleton High School, where he played football, and went on to play at East Stroudsburg University, where he received a bachelor’s in business administration. He also received an MBA from Syracuse University. 

David began his career at Continental Can - White Cap in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, where he served in various capacities and was ultimately plant manager. He worked as CEO for various venture capitalist holding companies, including Scovill Fasteners and LTI (Georgia), US Traffic and Color Spot Nurseries (California), Growing Family (Missouri), Monessan Hearth (Kentucky) and GPSI (Florida). 

As president and CEO of various corporations, he spread a culture of hard work, integrity and happiness. 

He served on the board of both Regions Bank in North Georgia and North Georgia Technical Institute. He was also a member of the Ocoee Golf Leagues. 

David was an avid golfer and enjoyed the outdoors. His favorite activity was spending time with his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Those he loved most called him Pa. He will be missed by all who knew him.

David is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Martnick Barrett; his children, David Barrett of Alpharetta, Georgia, Sarah Barrett Bobilin of Clermont, Florida, and Andrew Barrett of Winter Garden, Florida; and eight grandchildren, Barrett, Benjamin, Annabelle, Stellie, Jacob, P.J., Micah and Joseph. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Barrett Lopez, and his brothers, Thomas Barrett, Ronald Barrett and Richard "Skitch" Barrett. 

His funeral service will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden with a visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, and service to follow at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 14. 

In lieu of flowers, David has requested donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and MD Anderson Research Center.