Donald J. Barrett, 75, of Yarmouth Port, MA, happily went to join his wife Suzy on July 13, 2026, after missing her so much, and after a brief illness.
Born in Worcester, MA, he was raised by his beloved grandmother, Evelyn M. Barrett.
Donald had a long and rewarding career with the U.S. Postal Service where he worked in Worcester, MA, Richmond, VA, South Jersey and San Francisco, retiring the first time as a district manager of human resources in 2005.
He then worked as a federal arbitrator from 2008-2021 primarily for the National Association of Letter Carriers and the Postal Service throughout the country. After his second retirement, he enjoyed training new advocates for the NALC in preparing and presenting cases as arbitration.
Over the years, Mr. Barrett spent countless hours as a volunteer at Cape Cod Hospital, Martin Memorial Hospital in Port St. Lucie, FL, and Blake Hospital in Bradenton, FL. He served as a Big Brother in Richmond, VA and New Bern, NC. He proudly served for many years as a Guardian ad Litem on behalf of children in Bradenton, FL.
He enjoyed playing senior softball on Cape Cod and in Bradenton.
Don and his wife Sue loved to travel, having done so together for the Postal Service and in retirement throughout the country, and around the world.
Donald is survived by two sons, Nigel and Jay who he loved unconditionally and to whom he always felt pride. He also leaves behind his close and dear cousins Donald, Lori and her wife Michelle, and Mark; Sister-in-law Marie, brother-in-law John; sister, JoAnn King and his closest lifelong friends Mary and Joe McCluskey, Bill Coutu, Joe and Maxine Rein and David and Natty Naeher.
Don made so many friends throughout the country, and many remain always close in his heart. He was proud of his Irish heritage, believed in faith, hope and love.
A graveside ceremony will be held at a later date at Chandler Gray Cemetery, West Yarmouth.
In lieu of flowers or donations, he wishes that you hug your family and let them know that you love them every day, that you be kind to others, no matter their station in life, that you try to contribute to those less fortunate and in need, and that you give thanks to God.

What an amazing man Don Barrett was! A great friend to any who knew him, an amazing father to a neighbor who became an adopted son, a selfless grandfather to a young girl and two boys in need of that loving and tender role! I can’t even come close to counting the many times this man made me laugh with a quick-witted joke usually of the Irish flavor or twist! Don was always there for me and my family in times of need, sorrow, and great happiness and no matter the occasion - he always had the right comment to make you appreciate that moment in life! Don will be missed dearly by those who were his friends and even more so by those lucky enough to call him family! I know in my heart Don is at peace and reunited with Suzy; that helps my heart feel a little less empty by the void cause by his absence in this life! We will meet again - and I look forward to a tight embrace and witty comment that makes me laugh and smile! Nothing but love for this amazing and wonderful man!

Don John Hall Cartway will not be the same without you . You’ll be greatly missed ❤️‍

Such a wonderful man who I was lucky to meet in Senior Softball tryouts in 2023. We played and managed together plotting our teams goals. So many great discussions. I will miss him.

The Cape Cod Senior Softball League and the greater world lost a good one. Don, you've been called up to the "Majors" now and we your teammates miss you. Given your destination you may not want to question the umpires but I'm sure you'll give it your all. Take good care my friend.

Donn I can even find the words. I miss you so much already. You lived a great life here on earth and as you continue the journey with Sue just know that I love you in life and death. Sleep sweet Donn.

You loved and protected my best friend, Suz. You were always there for me and Mum. You became a brother like no other. I will always hold dear the 30+ years of laughs and lessons; the joy of seeing the Boston Red Sox win the World Series in 2004; and the mutual love and respect we quickly developed for each other. My memories are long, Bro. You will reside in my heart right next to Suz forever.

Donn, You will be sorely missed by all who loved you (which was basically anyone who met you)! We are glad you are free from pain and reunited with the love of your life Sue. We will try to live as you did

You were my first love, and I will treasure these last few years that by some crazy miracle we reconnected. It wasn't easy, and we both knew that, and even though time, and now death separate us you will always be in my heart. You never weren't and I was glad you knew that. I will be waiting for that billboard that we joked about so often and I will always be grateful for the sadness and the joy, and especially thrilled that you are finally with your beloved Susie again. I know every time I hear our favorite songs I will continue to think of you, and get a good laugh through my tears, when I hear Linda Ronstadt and that song that cracked us up because it was so us to a T. I've been sleeping in your softball shirt and have the other one folded in a special place because it still has your scent. I will always treasure your high school ring that you gave me so that I knew I was yours and you were mine even when we couldn't make that happen at the risk of hurting others. And I promise I will ever forget you as complicated and crazy as these last 42 years have been. Rest in peace, and give my baby boy a kiss for me. I'm glad you finally get to meet him. in the meanwhile all my prayers are with you till my own dying day.