Dr. C. Redington Barrett, Jr.

Dr. C. Redington Barrett, Jr., died peacefully in Needham, Massachusetts, surrounded by his family, at the age of 89.

Born August 26, 1933 in New York City to C. Redington Barrett and Nancy Voorhees Barrett, “Rud” was the second of four children. He is predeceased by his sisters, Nancy and Alexandra while survived by his brother, John David Barrett II.

Rud grew up at the family’s homes in Manhattan’s upper east side and Greenwich, CT, attending Allen-Stevenson School and later Deerfield Academy where he played on the tennis team, as well as goalie on the soccer team. He was graduated from Yale University in 1955 and went on to study medicine at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.

He met Elizabeth Emmet Biddle at a dance in New York City and the couple married in 1958, first living in Manhattan’s Washington Heights as Rud completed his medical training. Following a two-year stint in Berlin, Germany where he served as an army doctor,  Rud and Liz lived for forty years in Englewood, New Jersey, where they raised three children, Connie, Red and Morris.

Rud spent his entire career at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, retiring in 2005 after serving as Acting Head of Pulmonology. He was also Director of the hospital’s critical care units. Rud pioneered fiber optic bronchoscopy procedures at St. Luke’s.  He was devoted to medical research throughout his career, directing AIDS and breathing studies. He enjoyed teaching medical students and was known to be calm and empathetic with the families of his patients.

In addition to his scientific and medical pursuits, Rud had a deep love and knowledge of classical music. He took up the cello as a young adult, studying with a member of the New York Philharmonic and playing in a Manhattan community orchestra. He also played the piano and sang with Liz in the Oratorio Society of New York, performing Handel’s Messiah numerous times in Carnegie Hall, and touring with the group in Europe.

Rud was an avid outdoorsman and athlete, leading his young family up Mt. Katahdin in Maine, sailing off the coast of Cape Cod, and skiing in the Green Mountains. He taught his children squash and was a lifelong tennis player.

An electronics enthusiast, he was just as likely to build and assemble hi fi equipment and computers than to buy the latest models. He constructed amplifiers, speakers and computer hard drives throughout his life, maintaining a well-equipped work room and helping to instill a love of carpentry in his sons.

Upon retirement in 2005, Rud and Liz moved to Dover, Massachusetts, to be nearer to the families of their children, Connie Dawson and Red Barrett. The couple quickly adopted a busy life of concertgoing, tennis, walking, and spending time with family.

Rud was known by family, friends and colleagues alike for his bright intellect, sense of humor and gentle nature. He wasn’t one to force an opinion or outcome, preferring to steer by consensus.

Towards the end of his life, Rud was afflicted by Alzheimer’s Disease, and while the illness eroded his memory, it never took away his kindly, affable nature.

Rud leaves his beloved wife of 64 years, Liz; his children, Connie Dawson of Dedham, MA, Red and Diana Barrett of Dedham, MA and Morris Barrett of Brooklyn, NY; his brother and sister-in-law, John and Lucy Barrett of Greenwich, CT; seven grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and an adoring extended family.

A memorial service has been changed to SATURDAY OCTOBER 15, 2022  11am at The Dover Church, 17 Springdale Avenue, Dover, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the American Thoracic Society (https://research.thoracic.org/donate/index.php).

To share a memory or to send a note of condolence to Rud’s family visit www.eatonfuneralhomes.com