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William G. “Jerry” Barrett

March 31, 1942 - January 8, 2025

 

RUSHFORD — William G. “Jerry” Barrett, 82, entered the presence of our Lord on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) in Yuma, Ariz. at the Arizona State Veteran Home following a lengthy illness.

Jerry was born in Buffalo on March 31, 1942 to William G. and Marie (Kelly) Barrett, Sr. He attended the University of Buffalo earning his Bachelor’s degree.

Jerry began his long and dedicated military career in the United States Navy, proudly serving aboard the USS Enterprise. He later joined the United States Coast Guard Reserves serving in Buffalo, where he was a plankowner of Port Security Unit 301 at its time of commission. Jerry retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after a lifetime career of over 42 years of honorable service. His mentorship and gentle leadership style made a lasting impact on those he served with. During his time in the Coast Guard Reserves, Jerry worked at the NYS Correctional Facility in Attica from 1971-1973 and was present during the riots. He then transferred to Alfred State College as an investigator and rose through the ranks serving as Director of Public Safety and later retiring as the University Chief of Police in 2004. In 1999, his service resulted in being awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service.

Jerry married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Kosowski, on October 2, 1971 in Clarence. Jerry and Liz met at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park at a horse show and their shared love of horses never faded. They frequently went to rodeos and horse shows and in his younger years; he was a practicing farrier.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, Jerry is survived by a close circle of friends including; Patrick and Jamie O’Kelly, Ed and Irene Michalski, Kevin and Dawn Taylor, Bruce and Denean Senechal, Candy and Trevor Hawley, Joy and Steve Mientkiewicz and Richard Turkiewicz. Additionally, he is survived by his aunt, Marie Kelly and cousins Rene, Michael and Debbie.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Paul Barrett.

Jerry was an outdoorsman; he enjoyed going hunting and as a small arms instructor, he kept up with practicing shooting at the range. He enjoyed yard work, tinkering in his garage and taking care of their horses over the years.

Jerry was a simple man; he appreciated a good ‘sammich’, peanut butter and desserts; never forgetting to say “God Bless the Cook” after grace. Jerry was best known for always getting a good deal, even when there wasn’t one.

Every winter Jerry, alongside his wife, made his ‘snow bird’ trip cross country to Yuma and enjoyed his many friends there. Jerry was a cowboy at heart and loved seeing all the sites the West had to offer during the winter months.

Jerry was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2721 of Cuba, and the Police Benevolent Association of New York State.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Belfast in the spring, at a date to be determined. Full military honors will be rendered at White Cemetery in Rushford. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.

Memorial Service:
Date To be Determined
Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Belfast

Burial:
White Cemetery, Rushford

 

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2 Messages

  1. Jerry gave me an opportunity in policing and his decision truly changed my life for the better. I’ll be forever grateful. I am not alone, as Chief Barrett gave many officers their start.

    He always treated others with respect, and in turn, I greatly respected him. He had a humble leadership style and was a consistent voice of reason.
    He had a funny wit, especially on display when presenting, including as a NYS Defensive Driving Instructor (an additional credential he possessed).

    He was certainly thrifty and a saver. He was also willing to provide others good advice on saving or investing – even if you didn’t ask!

    I am better for having known him.
    Thank you Chief Barrett.

    Reply
  2. I was privileged to work with Gerry for many years at Alfred state College. In my position as director of Health Services we often worked together with university police And his role as chief. We dealt with many situations difficult situations but always found time to share some laughs and lunch. He will be missed but our memories will keep him in our thoughts.

    Reply

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