Thomas Edward Barratt

Thomas E. Barratt, of Duluth, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth, Minn., surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old. Tom is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Jean, his sister Sally Van Sittert of Mississippi, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Edgar and Blanche Barratt and stepbrothers Norman and Edgar Jr.

Tom was born on April 6, 1938 in Pasadena, California. He grew up in southern California and enjoyed surfing, tennis and sailing. He earned a degree in history from Cal State University-Los Angeles, and also graduated from the Air War College. Tom lived a life of volunteering and service. His military service of 37 years included the California National Guard and active duty in the United States Army Reserve, where he retired with the rank of Colonel. After retiring and moving to Leisure World in Seal Beach, California, he taught driver’s safety classes for several years. Tom held several governing positions at Leisure World, including president of the Mutual 15 Board and president and treasurer of the Golden Rain Foundation Board.

After 48 years of southern California living, Tom and Mary Jean moved to Duluth in 2013. He was soon active in the governing body at Gramercy Park, where they resided. He was board treasurer at Gramercy for nine years and also worked on several committees. Tom enjoyed life in Duluth and its ever-changing seasons, the Duluth Playhouse and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Throughout their marriage, they traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China, and enjoyed lives as adventurous diners. Tom believed in treating all humanity with kindness and fairness. He will be greatly missed.

Wake 4 – 5:30 PM with Rosary beginning at 5:30 PM on Wednesday July 5, 2023 at Dougherty Funeral Home 600 East 2^nd St Duluth, MN. Funeral Mass at 11AM on Thursday July 6, 2023 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 2410 Morris Thomas Rd. Duluth, MN