Lloyd Edward Barrett

He taught in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science from 1978 to 2010. He was a recognized authority and scholar in the fields of rotating machinery and magnetic bearings and was a founding member of the Rotating Machinery and Control consortium, as well as the founding Director of the Center for Magnetic Bearings from 1989 through 2000. He was best known at the University for his teaching in over twenty graduate and undergraduate classes in both mechanical and aerospace engineering, particularly in the areas of flight vehicle and automotive dynamics. He authored and co-authored over 40 research papers, and he was a consultant to industry on a wide variety of turbomachine vibration problems. Professor Barrett was a strong supporter of experiential education, working closely with the University’s Legend car racing team and the aero collegiate competition team, “Hoos Flying”, which he continued to support after his retirement.

Professor Barrett was born in Tucson, Arizona on September 19, 1945, to Edward Barrett and Floy (Goodman) Barrett. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1963. He began his engineering studies at George Mason College and later transferred to the University of Virginia. His undergraduate studies were postponed when he served in the U.S Army as a lieutenant in the Corp of Engineers, stationed in Germany, from 1966 to 1969. After his discharge from the Army, Professor Barrett became a “Triple Hoo” earning his Bachelor of Science (1973), Masters (1975), and Doctoral (1978) degrees from the University of Virginia. In 1978 he joined the faculty of the School of Engineering as Research Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Full Professor in 1993.

Professor Barrett was an active member of the Arc of the Piedmont, briefly serving as its president. He also served on the Region Ten Community Service Board. It was at this time that he met Barbara Simmons Fretwell who was the president of Arc of Virginia. They were married in July 1988. Both he and Barbara devoted considerable time and passion in efforts to provide mental health, intellectual disability, crises, and substance use services for adults and children living in and around Charlottesville.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Christine Barrett (from a previous marriage), and his brother Greg Barrett.

Should you wish to make a memorial donation, the family asks that you consider donating to the Arc of the Piedmont and/or Region Ten Community Services Board.