Timothy H Barrett

Timothy Hugh Barrett age 73. Dearly beloved husband who shared over 54 years of life with his wife Rebecca. Loving father of Oliver (Melanie) Barrett and Ian (Ashley) Barrett. Dearest grandfather of Elliott and Forrest Barrett. Dear brother of Terry (Deceased) (wife Janet Barrett). Dear friend of many. Tim was still working for the City of Cleveland in the Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program. He was an avid architectural historian who had a major impact in the renaissance in his family's native Ohio City Neighborhood.

Timothy Hugh Barrett was born on March 9, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio. His father, Albert F. Barrett was of Irish descent. Albert’s parents met here in Cleveland, but both came from County Cork, Ireland. Tim’s mother, Dorothy H. (Nicholl) Barrett, had a more diverse bloodline: her father was a Scotch/ Irish Protestant, while her mother was of Russian Jewish descent. Tim’s ethnic background was a lifelong subject of interest. Tim had one younger brother, Terrence A. Barrett, born May 9, 1953. Unfortunately, Terry died of cancer in 2012. Dorothy later married George Daher who had five sons; George, William, Thomas, Timothy, and Brian.

Tim lived at 5215 Duke Ave. until he bought the home at 4311 Whitman Ave. when he was 28. Their Duke Ave. home was just around the corner from St. Stephen Church on W.54th St. where he attended St. Stephen Grade School and was a server/altar boy at the church. He often related how he could look through the kitchen door directly into the open doors of St. Stephen, waiting until the very last moment before he needed to race to perform his duties. His connection with this very special historic building began a lifelong love and obsession with the historic buildings of Cleveland, especially the sacred architecture of the city. Later in life, Tim also served as the Choir Director there for many years, exhibiting another one of his many passions, music.

Tim attended St. Michael’s High School on Scranton Road where the architecture of both St. Michael’s Church and the school itself further enhanced his passion for architecture. After his graduation he attended Boromeo Academy for a short time, realizing priesthood was not for him. Tim graduated from Kent State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Education. While attending KSU, in 1970, he met his future wife, Rebecca (Tennery), a kindred spirit with a deep love of music, art, architecture and history.

After graduating from KSU, Tim taught art at St. Leo’s for a number of years before funding cuts forced him out. Not one to be idle, he then took additional art and art history classes at Cleveland State University where Rebecca was studying art history. Connections at Cleveland State led Tim to a job at the Cuyahoga County Archives on Franklin Blvd. The Archive was located in two historic Ohio City Victorian residences. While working there, Tim’s knowledge of the City of Cleveland, his own Ohio City neighborhood and local history in general was greatly expanded. While at the Archives, Tim organized an exhibition on Cleveland Sacred Landmarks, initiating his now renowned lectures and tours of Cleveland Sacred

Architecture. Once again, funding cuts eliminated his position with the County, leading him to join the Western Reserve Historical Society as Director of Education where his knowledge of the history of the Western Reserve expanded even further. His final lecture was given at St. Stephen’s this past summer as part of Cleveland History Days.

From there, Tim went to work at City Hall in Cleveland’s Storefront Renovation Program, teaming up with Frank Piccirillo, with whom he had worked at the Cuyahoga County Archives, and Terri Sandy, Program Director. Tim was still working part-time when he passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 4, 2024.

Tim was also an instrumental force in the renaissance of Ohio City which began in the 70’s. He gave freely of his time and exceptional talents to many in the neighborhood, designing appropriately compatible new homes, as well as helping to save and restore the historic ones. Tim did so much for the city and its residents not only through City Hall and previous positions, but also with his own free time. His professional accomplishments will be found in the Mayoral Proclamation along with the many comments on the Dignity Website. He was also the Patriarch of a group of over 25 people who met at Kent State and remain close friends to this day. He had many many friends who mourn the loss of his warmth and caring and especially his wonderfully twisted sense of humor.

Tim and Rebecca were married in St. Stephen Church on Oct. 15,1984, residing in Tim’s beloved 1884/85 Stick Style house which he spent most of his life working diligently to restore and transform. Including the years before the marriage, they were together for 54 years. They were blessed with two wonderful, talented boys, Oliver on Sept. 25, 1984, and Ian on May. 9, 1987. Tim was a wonderful father to their two proud Ohio City bred sons. He put his family first, working tirelessly at both his job with the city and at home with Rebecca to instill a tough work ethic, strong moral compass, and clever sense of humor to inspire his children and grandchildren to give a damn and to think outside the box.

Both of Tim and Rebecca’s sons have been awarded the highest honors in their fields. Oliver, a graphic artist, married Melanie Petrilli on Oct.13, 2015. They reside in Austin, Texas with their two sons, Elliott 7 years, and Forrest 1 ½. Ian, a hot sauce entrepreneur and owner of Fuego Fermentations, was married to Ashley Rocawich just a short time ago on November 2. They live in Old Brooklyn. Tim said that the approaching wedding kept him going as his health declined. Indeed, the illness took over with a vengeance and we lost him on Dec.4. His absence leaves a void that can only be filled by livinng with inspiration to do and be our best.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home, 20820 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, Ohio, followed by Funeral Service from 3:00 PM.

Online condolances and Life Obituary at corrigancraciun.com