James Peter “Pete” Barrett

James Peter “Pete” Barrett
December 17, 1924 - September 30, 2013

Pete Barrett was a loving father, engaging businessman, yachtsman, civic leader, private pilot and adventurer. He was also passionate about regional history, led epic family camp-outs, and was very active in the Boy Scouts of America (especially the Sea Scout ship, Argus).

Pete was born in Duluth, Minnesota to James Sylvester and Susan Barrett. The family moved to Newport Beach in 1938, and he attended Newport Harbor High School and UCLA. While working in his father’s construction business, he became a licensed captain and operated sportfishing vessels out of Port Orange.

He and Martha Jean Miller married in 1946, raised their children in Newport Beach, and were active members of the community. The real estate office he established in 1965 was open for business for more than 40 years.

The accomplishments about which he was most pleased are: President, Newport Balboa Rotary Club; Newport Harbor Costa Mesa Board of Realtors’ Realtor of the Year; Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver and Bill Spurgeon Award recipient; Newport Beach City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem; and Newport Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year. He also thoroughly enjoyed organizing the annual Character Boat Parade and being a member of the Goofoffers Club.

A funeral Mass was conducted at St. John Vianney Chapel, Balboa Island, on October 8. Pete was predeceased by sisters Georgann (Perelli-Minetti) and Mary (Blake), and brother John. He is survived by his wife Martha, daughter Diane (Knight) and sons Jim, Steve and Larry, plus grandchildren Brandy (Hoover) and James, and three great-grandchildren, Zander, Autumn and Johnathan.