John McBarnette

John S. McBarnette, age 95, of Bradenton, Florida passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022. John was born in New York City on July 26, 1926, to Daisy and Sydney McBarnette, who were from the Caribbean island of Grenada. He grew up in Grenada and graduated from Wesley Hall School before returning to the U.S. for military service. He later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Sciences/Criminal Justice with honors and a Master of Professional Studies Degree in Human Relations, both from New York Institute of Technology. John is a U.S. Army World War II veteran and served with distinction in the New York City Police Department for 32 years. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant from the NYC Transit Police in 1988 and moved to Bradenton, Florida. He was a lifetime member of the NYC Retired Transit Police Officers’ Association and the NYC Police Retired Guardians’ Fraternal Association. In retirement, he enjoyed time with family and friends, including attending law enforcement and family reunions, traveling extensively, and volunteering. John’s interests also included photography, art, theatre, gardening, boating, and running. John was fondly called by the nicknames Johnnie and Mac. He was loving, kind, compassionate, considerate, thoughtful, helpful, humble, smart and had an awesome smile. John was a leader, with integrity and gentle strength. He found ways to positively impact those around him. He was a trusted confidant and counselor. Countless coworkers described him as a person who possessed and displayed distinctive qualities that made him a well-respected police officer, a gracious gentleman, and an extraordinary human being. He was beloved, is greatly missed, and forever in our hearts. Left to mourn, cherish John’s memory, and honor his legacy are his children, Joan McBarnette Roberts and Stanley McBarnette; his sister, Eileen McBarnette Bunyan; and his brother, Victor McBarnette. John is also survived by his nephew, Anthony McBarnette; and his nieces, Dawne McBarnette, Patricia McBarnette-King, Donna Wilkins, Joy McBarnette, and Denise Gray; as well as many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sydney & Daisy McBarnette, his brother, Albert McBarnette, his nephew, John Sydney Bunyan, and Lorna Scott McBarnette (mother of Joan and Stanley). A visitation for John will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 30, 2022 followed by a funeral service at 11:30 am, both at St. Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Road, Sarasota, FL 34233. Burial will occur on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:45 am at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Donations can be made in John’s name to: West Coast Black Theatre Troupe (WCBTT), in Sarasota, FL; in support of regional theatre. https://westcoastblacktheatre.org/support/ways-to-give Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, in Bradenton, FL; in support of assisting individuals (particularly seniors, homebound, disabled, and food-insecure families) to live independently by providing nutrition and caring, supportive services. https://mealsonwheelsplus.org/donate/ Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the McBarnette family.