Harold W. Barrett (Hal), a lifelong resident of Patterson, NY, passed away peacefully at home on July 12, 2025, after an extended illness.
Hal was born on January 7, 1948, in Patterson, NY to the late Earl and Helen (Heady) Barrett. He was a 1965 graduate of Carmel High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Connecticut State University and his Master’s Degree from NYU. Hal married, the love of his life, Mary Catherine Rooney of Brewster, NY on August 24, 1975, in a ceremony at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster. Hal and Mary met as students in the Education Department at Western Connecticut State University.
They both pursued careers in teaching – Mary for 34 years at Matthew Paterson Elementary School – and Hal at Henry H. Wells Middle School in Brewster. In addition, Hal briefly worked as an Assistant Principal at Center Reach High School in Long Island. Hal eventually changed careers and for many years was the owner and operator of M & H Custom Homes.
Through the years, Hal was a longtime enthusiast of Chevy Corvette Sportscars, a number of which he owned and restored as a hobby.
Also, in earlier years, he enjoyed boating on Long Island Sound, the Hudson River, and other coastal inlets. In later years, Hal found great pleasure in gardening.
Family always came first for Hal. He and Mary enjoyed a close relationship with all the members of their extended, loving, family. They also enjoyed the pleasure of the many enduring friendships they developed through the years.
Hal is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Catherine; his sister, Linda Liucci and her husband, Frank; his brother, Lawrence Smith and his wife, Marilyn; brothers-in-law, James T. Rooney (Marcy) and Alexander Rooney; nephews Christopher Liucci (Paula), Glen Liucci (Alisa), Lawrence Smith Jr. (Jennifer); nieces, Cathy Kilian (Michael), Debra Esposito (John), Katherine Rooney (Steven Levy) and Julianne Rooney (Luke Phillips) and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hal's memory to the Putnam Humane Society 68 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512 or Patterson Baptist Church, 595 Route 311, Patterson, NY 12563
