William "Bill" Oliver Barrett

William “Bill” Oliver Barrett, a man whose warmth, wit, and unwavering Irish spirit left a lasting mark on everyone he met, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at Carteret Health Care.

A memorial mass to celebrate his life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St. Egbert Catholic Church.

Bill was born in Holy Cross in County Tipperary, Ireland, on April 16, 1936, to the late Thomas and Josephine Barrett. As a child growing up in Thurles he was known as Oliver. He set off across the Atlantic as a young man to replace his cousin to play Irish sports at Gaelic Park in the Bronx. What began as a love for the game turned into a whole new adventure—one that led him to build a life in America. He joined the U.S. Army, built a career as an electrical troubleshooter for Con Edison, and raised his family in the Bronx and Kings Park, New York, before eventually retiring to Beaufort, North Carolina.

Though he put down roots in the U.S., Bill’s heart never left Ireland. A proud member of the Tipperary Association in New York City, he marched up Fifth Avenue every St. Patrick’s Day he could. He traveled back home often, bringing his children and grandchildren along so they would know their heritage and the family who remained. He could always be counted on to share a story, sing an Irish tune, or slip into the language of his homeland when given the chance.

A lifelong sportsman, Bill managed and coached Irish games, golfed with friends at the Morehead City Country Club, and took to the water whenever he could, barbecuing and even sleeping out on one of his boats. He would proudly share how he drove his boat all the way up the Hudson River and from New York to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He had a restless love for travel, from luxury cruises around Cape May to the Panama Canal, and travels all over Europe. He was always eager for the next adventure. He never missed a wedding or family milestone, always showing up for the people he loved.

Bill was a storyteller, a harmonica player, and a man who could make friends anywhere. To his great-grandchildren, he was GGP—the best walking companion and an even better listener. His love of animals continued from his early days with horses to his great grandpup, Riley, curling up in his hospital bed to be with him.

Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his daughters, JoAnn Scime and husband Phil of Kings Park, NY, and Carmel Barrett of Glendale, AZ; sons, William Barrett and wife Nidia of Danbury, CT, and Richard Barrett and wife Elizabeth of Kings Park, NY; sister, Bridget Lee of England; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

 He was reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Ellen Barrett; his grandson, Brian; and his siblings, Sean, Cisty, Thomas, Frank, Lawrence, Anna, and Noreen.

Bill’s life was full—full of adventure, full of laughter, and most of all, full of love. His legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the songs we sing, and the way we show up for one another, just as he always did.

Slán abhaile, Bill. Safe home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Egbert Catholic Church, 1706 Evans St, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC.