Obituary of Michael Mentzer Barrett

Michael Mentzer Barrett, age 63, beloved husband of Jo-Anne Gallo Barrett of Derby, died peacefully on November 29, 2023, at Bridgeport Hospital with his family by his side.  Born on September 15, 1960 in Burlington, VT, he was the devoted son of Sandra Thompson Barrett of Vermont and the late James Barrett (and his wife Rena Barrett of Utah).  Michael was raised in Ansonia and spent many summers of his youth in Vermont with family.  He was a 1978 graduate of Emmett O’Brien Vocational Technical High School of Ansonia.  Michael worked as a licensed electrician for many years, until the time of his illness.  He was employed with Valley Container in Bridgeport for over 20 years.  Michael was an avid auto enthusiast, owning multiple muscle cars through the years and he enjoyed attending area car shows and cruise nights.  He was a NASCAR fan and a collector of NASCAR diecast and slot cars.  Handy by nature, he was a talented “Mr. Fix It”, using his technical skills to repair most everything and complete home improvement projects. Michael also enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Vermont, his happy place. In addition to his wife of 40 years, he is survived by his cherished daughters, Heather and Jessica Barrett of Derby; a sister, Bonnie Burritt, and her husband, Stanley, of Vermont; and a brother, Robert Barrett and his wife, Karen, of Canterbury. He is also survived by many dear nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He loved his feline fur babies, Dominic and Mia; and his “grandcat” Rocky. A special thank you goes to his care team at Smilow Cancer Hospital in Trumbull, as well as the team at Bridgeport Hospital, for the wonderful care provided during a very difficult time. Family and friends may call on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia. A celebration of life service will take place at 6:30 PM. Private interment will take place in Maplewood Cemetery, in Huntington, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven Health, Smilow Cancer Hospital - Yale New Haven Health (ynhh.org) or to the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Home - Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.