Richard "Dick" Earl Barrett

Dr. Richard Earl Barrett Obituary

Barrett, Richard Earl, 93, of Sun City Center, peacefully passed away March 28, 2025, at home at Freedom Plaza, on his late wife Alyson’s birthdate.  

Richard (also known as “Dick” and “Bud”) grew up on Maple Avenue in Catonsville, near Baltimore Maryland, the youngest of five strapping Barrett boys: Jack, Bill, Don, Tom, and Bud.  The Barrett family enjoyed many years of summer vacations in Bethany Beach, Delaware and epic family reunions were enjoyed as the Barrett boys’ families grew to a cohort of over 31: grandparents, parents and cousins.  Richard excelled at his studies, loved chemistry, cabinet making, and the high school swim team. He earned his BSc. at the University of Maryland, was a leader in his Fraternity, a varsity athlete swimmer, pursued ROTC and met Judy Atkinson.  

Dick and Judy married shortly after graduation and started their family while Dick joined the U.S. Air Force.  The young family was posted to Forbes Air Force Base Topeka, Kansas. One of Dick’s favorite stories was his surprise meeting while fly fishing, with President Eisenhower and his Secret Service team. Richard earned the rank of First Lieutenant, photo reconnaissance, and then pursued graduate studies in horticulture at Rutgers University: MSc. and PhD.  In 1962 the growing family, including three kids, moved to Burlington, Ontario, Canada, where Dick became a specialist with Roy A Nicholson Ltd, and was valued for his technical advice for many customers.  

Soon Dick was approached to enter academia at the University of Guelph, where he was appointed Associate Professor of Horticulture, and was recognized for his work in extension work, greenhouse management research, taxonomy and teaching.  It was at Guelph where Dick met the love of his life, Alyson.  The couple moved to Florida, married in 1982, and became the management leaders for many years of growth and prosperity at Plants of Ruskin.  Their love of travel saw Alyson and Richard visit at least one country on five of the seven continents; and a favorite corner of the world was Soley Cove, Nova Scotia for many summers. Alyson and Dick were devoted members of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church since the early 1980s – first in Ruskin and then at the current location in Sun City Center, FL.  

Richard was at peace and knew he was well-loved.  We so valued his support and encouragement through both storms and sunny days of our lives.  He was pre-deceased by his wife Alyson (2024), and first wife Judith (2021) and son Christopher (1982). 

His children, Steve Barrett (Michelle Torsney), Jennifer Barrett, Cyndi Hellerud (Scott) and Patrick Barrett, granddaughters Rachel Hellerud, Meaghan Barrett (David Takacs) and Catherine Barrett, and great-grandchildren Alaric and Clara Takacs-Barrett will miss his encouragement, wisdom and love.  Also missed by his dear sisters-in-law Anita Barrett (Tom), and especially Joanne Locke (Ed), who provided incredible support to both Richard and Alyson over recent years, his beloved Barrett nieces and nephews and many close friends at St. John the Divine and Freedom Plaza.

Richard's memorial service and reception will take place Friday April 4, 2025, at 11am at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, Sun City Center, FL. 

Celebration of Life and interment will follow at a later date. 

If you wish to make a donation in Richard's memory, please consider the American Red Cross - redcross.org, the Humane Society Tampa Bay - humanesocietytampa.org, or Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort at 1528 27 Street SE, Ruskin, Florida 33570 at (813) 645-2273.