James Farrell Barrett Jr.

In addition to his wife Debra A Barberi with whom Jay spent 40 wonderful years, he is survived by his sister Clare B. Gowen of Claremont, NH, brother Richard B. Barrett and his wife Silvia of West Hartford, CT and brother Donald R. Barrett and his wife Donna of Inverness, Florida as well as nieces and nephews Kimberley McCord, Rick Barrett, Evan Barrett, Adrienne Barrett and Blake Gowen. He will be greatly missed by his brothers-in-law Frederick Barberi and Gene Barberi Sr and their children Sandra Tomasiewicz and her husband Patrick, Mathew Barberi and Gene Barberi Jr. In addition, there are numerous great-nieces and -nephews, cousins and extended family.

Jay grew up in West Hartford, CT but spent most of his adult life in Simsbury, CT before relocating to Stoddard, NH a few years ago.

He attended Colgate University before enlisting in the Army during the Vietnam War. He served from 1966-1969 and was stationed in Germany. While in the military, Jay competed as a member of the pistol team. His interest in target shooting continued throughout his life. He is a member of both Metacon Gun Club in Simsbury, CT and Ferry Brook Range in Keene, NH.

After military discharge, Jay began his career with Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, CT. In time, he completed his B.S. in mechanical engineering at University of Hartford and spent the rest of his career at Electric Boat in Groton.

Jay’s childhood introduction to flying was a cockpit visit with pilots of a DC3 en route to Florida. Later, a coworker at Pratt & Whitney taught him to fly. He earned his private license as a member of the CAP Flying Association in Hartford and then used the GI Bill to get his instrument, commercial and multi engine ratings. There are many “surviving” members of the family who have stories to tell about flying with Jay.

Jay was 9 years old when his Dad built their first Blue Jay sailing dinghy in the basement of their West Hartford home and brought it to Niantic. As summer residents of Crescent Beach and members of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club, he and his siblings sailed throughout their lives. After owning and racing an Atlantic (Hull A91) , Jay became interested in cruising and eventually purchased the Tartan 41 VIB which he owned from 1983 until a few years ago. Jay enjoyed cruising and racing VIB in NBYC Wednesday night races, Off Soundings Club races and local regattas, always with his brother Dick managing the crew and deck work.

Jay and his wife Deb traveled to some of the most remote places in the world. They shared a passion for viewing wildlife -- from mountain gorillas in Uganda to Bengal tigers in India to grizzlies in Alaska to narwhals in Greenland and Emperor penguins in Antarctica, there were few experiences they missed.

An accounting of Jay’s life would not be complete without mentioning the pets he loved including childhood pets Taffy and Freddie. Over the years with Deb, their pack included dogs Queenie, Chelsea, Greta, Morgan, Timmy, Jags, Phoebe, Lacey and puppy Wednesday.

Calling hours and burial will be private. If you wish to make a donation in Jay’s memory, please consider the Salvation Army, one of his favorite charities.