Bruce Edward Barrett

Bruce was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time exploring local arboretums, playing “the train game,” and watching classic movies and K-dramas with his wife of 41 years, Jennifer. He was a devout Christian and spent time with his wife studying scripture and engaging in bible study with her. He loved to have his kids and grandkids home for BBQs and family events in his and his wife’s Mickleton home overlooking his wife’s generous vegetable garden and quiet backyard. If you ever had trouble finding him he could often be found enjoying his backyard with his golden retrievers, Luke and Bear.

He took his children to the Outer Banks each year, with the whole family piling into their 15 passenger airport van and driving over 8 hours to enjoy some sand and surf. Some of his children’s greatest memories are from those times. His kids know him as a problem solver as well as a personal celebrity who knew a little something about everything. His homecoming each day from work was a celebration for his kids and their mother.

Bruce grew up in West Collingswood Extension in south New Jersey. He spent his childhood fishing in Newton Creek, riding bikes with friends, and was a voracious reader (a trait picked up by many of his children). He graduated in 1973 from Haddon Township High school. Bruce was a hard working and dedicated husband, father, and attorney. He received a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Pennsylvania, while at UPENN he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He graduated in 1982 with a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Camden Law School (cum laude). Bruce was a prominent litigation and insurance defense attorney with Margolis Edelstein law firm in Mt. Laurel, NJ. He joined the firm in 1983 and became a partner in 1989. He was a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC), member of the Defense Research Institute (DRI), and member of the New Jersey Defense Association (NJDA). He was an approved civil case arbitrator, Superior Court of New Jersey. He was also a member of the Harmonie Group, New Jersey Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Camden County Bar Association.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Jennifer Barrett (nee Bergdoll) and their 10 children, Gwendolyn Barrett; Rebecca Corio (Anthony); Molly Barrett; Judith Smith (Justin); Kimberly Ramos (Michael); Josephine Barrett; Bruce Barrett Jr (Amanda); Christopher Barrett; Casey Barrett; Laura Barrett; 8 grandchildren, Evangeline; Cadence; Anthony IV; Holly; Jace; Fiona; Maeve; Mateo; sister, Karen Arenz, Niece Corinne (David) Nardi, Grand-Nephew, Theo and Nephew, Thomas Arenz.

Bruce is predeceased by his mother, Carol Barrett (nee Lang) and father, Frank Barrett.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church at Woodbury in Woodbury, NJ followed by a service at 12 p.m. Interment to follow at Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, NJ. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Focus on the Family or Samaritan’s Purse