John A. Barrie

John A. Barrie, 79, of Woonsocket, RI passed away June 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband of 56 years to Donna (Zoltek) Barrie. Born in and a lifelong resident of Woonsocket, he was the son of the late Amasa and Gertrude (Roberge) Barrie.

John was a graduate of Woonsocket High School.  He was a proud U.S. Navy veteran serving as a sonar technician on a destroyer during the Vietnam War where he was able to travel the world. John went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales University.  He was a talented design engineer for many years until his retirement and loved each challenge such as when tasked to create packaging for a 10 ft Hasbro Transformer movie prop.  John was a lifetime member of the Cercle Laurier club, where he ran the meat raffle every Friday night and dressed as Santa for the children’s Christmas parties.  He also looked forward to Tuesday nights, bowling with his team in a league at Walnut Hill Bowl.

In retirement, John enjoyed feeding and watching the many birds that visited his yard, making jigsaw puzzles, reading, playing cards, and tinkering around the house. He was altruistic, always helping others but never wanting assistance himself.  John was generous with his time whether it was snow blowing the neighbors’ driveways in the winter or cutting the grass at the church in the summer.  He also loved helping his grandchildren with their many projects; he never needed a thank you.

John was very artistic and had a knack for visualizing unique approaches to completing any task he was asked to undertake.  He will be remembered for his quick wit and dry humor that always put a smile on and sometimes prompted a groan from everyone within earshot. 

Besides his wife, Donna, John leaves their daughters, Karen Watson and her husband, Harry, of Cumberland, RI and Brenda Abrants and her husband, Scott, of Blackstone, MA; his brother, Robert Barrie (Melissa) of VT and his sister, Joyce Charrette (Leo) of NH.  He was a beloved Pepere to four cherished grandchildren, Brendan and Morgan Watson and Madison and Samantha Abrants. He was predeceased by his brothers, Paul (Patricia) and Richard (Kathy) Barrie.

His funeral will be held Friday, June 20, 2025 at 9 AM from the Holt Funeral Home, 510 So. Main St., with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Agatha's Church, 34 Joffre Ave. Burial will follow in Precious Blood Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7PM.

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