His parents, Paul M. and Lillian (Keyes) Barrett, welcomed their son into the world on September 6, 1934 in Keene, NH. He was a graduate of Keene High School and attended the University of NH where he completed courses in tax collecting.
Early in his work career, Maurice was an administrative assistant at the former Geilenburg and Sons Woven Labels in Marlborough, NH. He later worked for thirty-one years as tax collector with the City of Keene. During his tenure as tax collector, Maurice was president of the NH Tax Collectors Association and served on legislative committees working to update tax laws and procedures for the State of New Hampshire.
Upon retirement, Maurice served as a Selectman for the City of Keene and was active as a voter polling place volunteer. He was a former member of the Keene Lions Club and served as treasurer for the Keene Senior Center. He was the head deacon for the United Church of Christ in Keene and served on its finance committee and worked as the church's auditor.
Later he attended the Community Churches of Chesham and Harrisville, and served as their treasurer for many years. While active at the church, Maurice served as an active member of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Maurice loved going to antique car shows and working in his yard. He also enjoyed traveling including traveling to England. Family meant the world to Maurice, especially the special times he spent reading to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by many in our community, especially by his wife of sixty-five years, Ruth A. (Garland) Barrett of Keene; his children, Jane M. Harper and her husband, Gary of Londonderry, NH, Timothy M. Barrett of Amherst, NH, Judy Laplante of Manchester, NH; his beloved grandchildren, Melissa Surprenant and her husband, Chris, Sara Harper, Christian Barrett, Johnathan Hanscome, Emily Sullivan and her husband Kyle, Paul Laplante; and the "twinkles of his eye", great-grandchildren, Annabelle Hanscome, Melanie Manchester, Lucy Hanscome; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. Maurice was predeceased by a sister, Lucille Towne, and a brother-in-law, Maurice Towne.
Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00pm in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Those is attendance are required to wear facemasks and to maintain the physical distancing requirements. A graveside service will be held in the Monadnock View Cemetery, Keene, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. Barrett’s memory to Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431-0564.
