ROBERT W. BARNETT JR.

BARNETT, ROBERT W. Jr., 86, of Coventry, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Alpine Nursing Home, Coventry. He was the beloved husband of 41 years to Janice L. (Mulcahy) Barnett.

Born in Dyer, Tennessee, Robert was a son of the late Robert W. Sr. and Pauline (Smith) Barnett. While he appreciated his small-town upbringing, he was eager to experience more of the world and pursue broader opportunities. With determination and curiosity, he moved to California to attend college, setting the foundation for a life marked by hard work, independence, and quiet adventure. He remained a devoted son throughout his life, calling his mother each week and welcoming her to visit regularly in Rhode Island.

Robert spent the majority of his professional career as a Civil Engineer, working with Fay, Spofford & Thorndike, where he designed civil and structural management systems for over 28 years. Earlier in his career, he worked on missile silo projects, earning a government exemption from service in Vietnam while contributing in an essential capacity at home. He also spent several months in Alaska under rugged conditions, living in a tent with a co-worker and relying on airlifted food & supplies, an experience he recalled as the coldest he had ever known.

Perhaps because of that time, Robert and Janice came to treasure their travels to warmer destinations, especially the Caribbean and Mexico, where they enjoyed the sunshine, ocean air, and time together. He enjoyed riding his bicycle and was a passionate, longtime golfer. He also had a keen interest in the stock market and investing.

He will be remembered as a steady and dependable presence, with an easygoing nature and quiet selflessness that put others at ease. He found his greatest joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent together. He was happiest seeing others succeed, often taking a back seat so those around him could pursue their goals. Later in life, he especially treasured time with his grandchildren, taking each of his granddaughters on special trips to the Caribbean—memories he deeply cherished.

Besides his loving wife, Janice, Robert is survived by his children, Kimberly Hood (Joseph), Christopher Barnett, Michael St. Jean (Susan), and Michelle Klinke (Scott). Loving grandfather of Leah, Amanda, Mathew, and Jacob; and great-grandfather of Logan and Brinley. He was the brother of Paul Barnett (Lucy) of Oregon.

Funeral services are respectfully private. Arrangements by the Iannotti Funeral Home.

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