Obituary of Donald W. Barrett

Donald W. Barrett, 74, of Freehold, NJ, passed away on January 16, 2021 after years of battling several health issues. He persevered for so long thanks to his endless positivity, never uttering a complaint, his unique sense of humor, and his love for his family and friends. Don was born on December 26, 1946 in Camden, NJ, a late Christmas gift to his parents Wilbur A. and Ella S. Barrett. His childhood was full of adventures with his cousins, aunts, and uncles in Cherry Hill and Sea Isle City, NJ. After graduating from Ocean City High School, Don attended Glassboro State College and graduated with a B.A. in secondary education and history. While there he met his wife, Kathleen, whom he married in 1970. He also earned a master’s degree in education and political science from Montclair State College. Don and Kathleen settled in Freehold Borough in the 1970’s where their two children, Jeffrey and Elizabeth, were born. In 1987, they designed and built their dream home in Freehold Township. Don was a talented craftsman and woodworker, an avid reader and game player, purveyor of terrible dad jokes, a diehard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan, and never tired of watching any and all episodes of NCIS. Don was heavily involved in the community. He loved coaching his children’s Freehold Rec Soccer teams for 14 years. He was president of the Freehold Borough Board of Education for 2 years, president and secretary of the Freehold Borough Lion’s Club, a dedicated member of the Rotary International, an active participant in any club or activity his children ever took an interest in, and was awarded Volunteer of the Year for the Monmouth County Juvenile Conference Committee in 2016. Though Don had studied to be a teacher, he had a profound interest in title insurance that was sparked by his father, Wilbur. He started title searching at a young age with his dad in the basement of the Cape May County Hall of Records, and thus began a successful 60-year long career in the title industry. He worked at American Title in 1971, co-owned Barrett & Hughes Title Agency through the 80’s, started Abstractor’s Title Agency in the 90’s, and then formed Title Zone LLC in 2007 as an independent title consultant and examiner up until a few months ago. Don was an expert, a mentor, an innovator, an educator, and an all-around well-respected member of the title insurance industry in New Jersey. He collected many accolades and titles including president of the New Jersey Title Abstractors Association, member of the NJ Title Agents Association, adjunct professor and instructor for title insurance licensing and continuing education courses, and was known for “Barrettizing” many title agencies in Monmouth County throughout his career. Don loved what he did and enjoyed describing the most tedious titles in minute detail to anyone who would listen and not fall asleep. He cherished the connections and friendships he made and was proud to be in the title industry. Don was predeceased by his parents Wilbur and Ella Barrett, Kathleen’s parents David and Olga Young, his dear cousin Karen Watson, brother-in-law Jeffrey Young and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. Don is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Barrett, his son Jeffrey Barrett (partner Krissy Klinovsky, her sons Easton & Leo), his daughter Elizabeth Morales (husband Michael Morales), and the light of his life - his grandson Benjamin Morales. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Suzan Dapolito, brothers-in-law Frank Dapolito and Brian Young, several nieces, nephews, and their children, his half-brothers Paul and Mark Barrett, their mother Sandra Barrett, cousins Andrew and Peter Watson, and their families. To honor Don’s wishes, his family plans to host a memorial celebration in the coming months if Covid allows. In preparation, we ask all who would like to attend to please start practicing their Donald Duck impressions. In lieu of flowers, donations to local food pantries or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Suggested food banks: Freehold Area Open Door, 39 Throckmorton St, Freehold, NJ 07728 Fulfill: The Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties, 3300 NJ-66, Neptune City, NJ 07753 Don will be greatly missed, and our memories together will be cherished forever. “Say not in grief 'he is no more' but in thankfulness that he was.” – Hebrew Proverb