Raymond Thomas Barrett, LCDR Retired, 81, of La Plata Maryland, passed away on the afternoon of May 29th, 2025 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.

Raymond was born on October 4th, 1943, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the late Andrew Jerome Barrett and Annette Lambert Barrett. Ray grew up in Bridgeport and attended St. John Nepomucene School, and graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School in 1961. Through academic excellence, and the recommendation of the U.S. Senator Prescott Bush, Ray was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1965. He then attended flight school and later went on to specialize his studies at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.

Prior to his appointment to the academy, Raymond met his cherished wife Kathleen Mary Fiore during a Family Day event while he was working at the Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks in Trumbull, Connecticut. Raymond and Kathleen courted during his time at the academy and married on October 15th, 1966. They went on to have two daughters Teresa Marie Barrett Dower of Mount Airy, Maryland and Leita Jean Barrett Newman of La Plata, Maryland.

Raymond achieved a highly decorated naval career, with various highlights such as serving as a UH-1B "Huey" helicopter pilot for the Seawolves, a Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3 (HA(L)-3), also known as HAL-3. The call "Scramble the Seawolves!" signified the need for air support by the squadron, often used when the Navy SEALS or other units were in imminent danger and in need of immediate support. The Seawolves became the most decorated squadron in the Vietnam War and in the history of Naval Aviation. Ray was a trained Aviation Safety Officer and Aviation Maintenance Officer. Among several duty stations he served in the helicopter squadron HS-7 out of Jacksonville Florida, cruising several times on the U.S.S. Saratoga. From 1978 to 1985 Raymond was stationed at The Pentagon and worked as a member of the Joint Staff and for the USN Center for Naval Analysis, testing and implementing military wargame strategies. In 1980 Raymond co-created the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force and played an instrumental role in the rescue mission for the Iran Hostage Crisis. Ray earned numerous air medals, a helicopter rescue award for courage and lifesaving missions, the Bronze Star, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge and many other honors.

Ray's post-naval career included working for E-Systems Melpar Division and Computer Sciences Corporation supporting the military and government in a civilian role. He also co-authored military based publications and became a Certified Solution Architect in 2012.

Ray was an Eagle Scout and Scout Leader, an avid reader and expert in history with an unmatched knowledge of trivia. He loved Celtic music and was a collector of many things including stamps, coins, coin banks and books. In his retirement, Ray volunteered for the Charles County Literacy Council, Charles County Children's Aid Society and Grace Lutheran School in La Plata, Maryland. Raymond was happiest when he was at home among his collections drinking a cup of decaf while reading.

Raymond was predeceased by his beloved wife of 45 years Kathleen, his parents Andrew and Annette, his dear brothers Lawrence (Larry), and Michael James (Jimmy), his sister-in-law Barbara (Bunny), his in-laws Alfred and Veronica Fiore, his uncle Michael James (Jim) and aunt Katherine (Kay), his sister-in-law Wendy, as well as many other aunts, uncles and cousins who he held dear. He is survived by his loving daughters Teresa Marie and Leita Jean, his sons-in-law Paul Dower and Bill Newman, his cherished grandchildren Travis James, Maya Ann, William Raymond (Billy), and Phoebe Kathleen, who were the joys of his life, and his chosen family Christy Williams and Laura Newman. Raymond also leaves behind his brothers Andrew and Ronald, his sisters-in-law April, Pamela (Pam) and Eileen, his brothers-in-law Alfred (Al) and Robert (Bob) Fiore, his dear nieces and nephews Andrew J. (Andy), James (Jimmy), Amy, Andrew J. (Andy III), Matthew S. (Matt), Jennifer (Jen), Matthew L. (Matt), Jeffrey (Jeff), cousins Sandy, Tommy, Janey, Patty as well as many other cousins, great nieces and nephews, countless dear friends, comrades and colleagues.

Raymond will join his wife Kathleen in interment in a ceremony with full military honors in section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. Fair winds and following seas.



Services
Visitation
Sunday
June 8, 2025
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.
211 St. Mary's Ave.
LA PLATA, Maryland 20646


Funeral Service
Sunday
June 8, 2025
2:00 PM
Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.
211 St. Mary's Ave.
LA PLATA, Maryland 20646


Interment at a later date

Arlington National Cemetery
1 Memorial Dr.
Fort Myer, VA 22211