Obituary of Donald M. Barrette

Dudley - Donald M. Barrette, 57, of 27 Barrette Road, died Wednesday, June 1, 2011. He passed at his favorite place, his home, surrounded by his family after a courageous seventeen-month battle with brain cancer. He is survived by his wife, Rita M. (Antonellis) Barrette of Dudley, his two daughters, Jill Jennings and her husband Brian of Thompson, Kristin Pliakas and her husband Chris of Dudley, and his son Greg Barrette of Boston. He also leaves his nine siblings and Rita's six siblings. A true family man, he loved spending time with his grandson, Chase Jennings, and was thrilled to know Kristin and Chris are expecting a baby in December. Donald, the son of the late Raymond and Cecile Barrette, was born in Webster and graduated from Bartlett High School in 1971. Donald worked at Cranston Print Works in Webster for more than 30 years. He retired at 52 and then worked part-time in the Oxford Public School System and at Bay Path Regional High School. He greatly enjoyed his employment at Bay Path and considered his friends there as a second family. Donald had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed caring for his home. He loved to travel and treasured most his yearly family vacation to North Conway, NH. He could never say enough about how wonderful his family is and one of his greatest pleasures in life was spending time with them. He was an avid collector of antiques and enjoyed going to auctions and antique shows. Donald valiantly fought his cancer, completing every treatment and continuing to work while maintaining his sense of humor throughout the battle. Donald and his family are thankful for the wonderful care he received from the staff at Dr. Alderson's and Dr. Chase's offices , Overlook Hospice and the amazing support of family and friends. Please join in celebrating Donald's life with his family for calling hours on Friday June 3 2011 from 4 to 7 pm at Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel 33 Schofield Ave . (Rt. 12) in Dudley . As beautiful as flowers are Please omit flowers and consider a donation in Donald's memory to the UMass Development office 1-866-597 HOPE ( 4673) and direct your gift to the CANCER CENTER OF EXCELLENCE www.umassmemorial.org www.bartelfuneralhome.com for guestbook and directions .