John Francis Barrett, who served as the chief financial officer of the Diocese of Richmond from 1981 to 2010, died Saturday, March 21, three days after his 89th birthday.
A Richmond native, Barrett served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years and then began his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, first in Washington and then in Richmond. He later became an agent and instructor for the Internal Revenue Service.
As the diocese’s CFO, Barrett worked to support parishes, clergy and diocesan staff. He advocated for the expansion of Catholic education, led the establishment of retirement homes for the elderly, supported shelters for battered women and their children, helped establish the McMahon Parater Foundation to foster student scholarships and promoted many charitable endeavors. In 2003, in recognition of his work, he was awarded a papal honor, the Benemerenti Medal.
A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1961, Barrett served the organization on multiple levels as Grand Knight of Council 395, Faithful Navigator, Richmond Assembly and two terms as State Deputy. He served as Supreme Director and Assistant Supreme Treasurer in the national office.
He was also a member of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem which supports schools and shrines in the Holy Land.
Barrett is survived by his wife of seven years, Dr. Mary Ann Beatty Barrett; stepchildren, Dr. Charles Beatty, Clare Dooley (Daniel), and Colleen Dooley (Thomas), four grandchildren, sister-in-law, Karen Barrett, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, William; sister, Anne Saunders; brother-in-law, Sam Saunders; and first wife, Gloria Hearn Barrett.
When the present health crisis eases, a funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, Richmond.
Memorial donations can be made to the Virginia Knights of Columbus Charities, Inc., 116 Meredith Way, Newport News, Va. 23606, the McMahon Parater Scholarship Foundation, 7800 Carousel Lane, Richmond, Va. 23294 or a charity of your choice.