Don Barrett

Donald “Don” Barrett, 85, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on March 11, 2026.

Born on March 17, 1940, in Pleasantville, New Jersey, Don was the son of Howard and Marian Campbell Barrett. He graduated from Girard College (high school) in Philadelphia and later earned a B.A. in French from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After leaving the Navy he completed a B.A. in Accounting at the University of West Florida.

In 1963, Don joined the United States Navy and earned his wings of gold as a naval aviator. He flew C‑130s throughout the western Pacific and later with VXE‑6, the Antarctic Support Squadron, supporting missions on the southernmost continent. He also served as a multi‑engine prop instructor at VT‑31 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Don was honorably discharged in 1973.

While stationed in Corpus Christi, he met fellow officer Peg Beaver. They married in September 1971.

After leaving the Navy, Don worked as an accountant at the Public Works Center and Defense Finance and Accounting Services at NAS Pensacola until his retirement in 1998.

Don had a lifelong connection to the water. He was an accomplished swimmer at the high school, collegiate, and master’s levels, and he embraced open‑water swimming with equal enthusiasm. In 1961 he won the Hap Farley Swim in Atlantic City, NJ. He also loved fishing, surfing, and sailing. A natural problem‑solver, he had a talent for building and fixing just about anything.

Don is survived by his wife, Peg; his sisters Nan Levine of Chevy Chase DC, and Barbara Zambrano of Arlington, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick Barrett.

He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola.