Chief Nelson A. Barrett

HOLDEN - Retired Police Chief, Nelson A. Barrett, Jr. of Holden, formerly of North Brookfield, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2007, after a short illness.

Chief Barrett is survived by his wife of 32 years, Judyth A. (Hazelwood) Barrett; his daughter Belinda A. Barrett of Stoughton, his sons, Jason M. Barrett of Leicester and Kevin P. Barrett of Holden; two sisters, Dawn Desy of Brimfield and Mildred Donnelly of W. Brookfield; as well as several nephews and nieces. Chief Barrett was predeceased by his other sister, Roberta Lavallee in 2003 and his first wife, Dorothy (Barrus) Barrett in 1972. He was born in North Brookfield, son of Nelson A. and Mildred (Wade) Barrett, Sr. He was a graduate of North Brookfield High School and the Massachusetts State Police Academy. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War.

Chief Barrett was a loyal public servant starting at the North Brookfield Police Department at the age of 19 as an auxiliary officer. He became a full time officer shortly thereafter. Upon leaving the N. Brookfield PD after 8 years, he went on to work for the Spencer Police Department for next 4 years before leaving to take a post with the Registry of Massachusetts, working in both the Boston and Worcester offices. He worked for the Registry for 8 years before returning to the town he loved and where he began his career, now to be known as “The Chief” to the residents of North Brookfield. During his tenure, Chief Barrett brought to the Town’s under privileged families at Christmas time, the Toys for Joy program. He retired in 1995 after 32 years of service to his community. He was an inspiration to the residents of the Towns in which he worked just by listening to their problems or situations and giving good counsel. He was a role model to his own family as well. It was his work ethic and pride in his law enforcement career that led his daughter, Belinda, his son, Jason and several nephews to follow his career path. It was his time spent as a proud Marine that led his son Kevin to follow in his father’s footsteps in that respect. During his retirement years, Chief Barrett continued with his passion for helping people and for 10 years taught young people to drive through the Sbrogna Driving School in the City of Worcester. Also, in keeping busy, he worked at Brookfield Motors where he continued to keep in touch with the area town’s people that he had served.

Chief Barrett was an avid sports fan. Not only could he be found at the sports fields watching his children play baseball, softball or soccer but his dedication to his beloved Patriots and Red Sox was well known.

Chief Barrett was a lifetime member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and the Western Massachusetts Police Association. In 1989 and 1990 he was awarded Law Officer of the Year by VOITURE. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the MA State Police in 1994. He was a recipient the Exemplary Service Award in1987 and again in1995 by the CMCA. He was an honored member of the Who’s Who in Law Enforcement. He will not only be missed by his family and friends but also by the Law Enforcement Community.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral for Chief Barrett will be held from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 18, in St. George’s Church, 38 Brattle Street, Worcester. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Karen Hazelwood Scholarship Fund, c/o South High School, 170 Apricot Street, Worcester, MA 01603; or the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.

Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com