Dr. Ronald Anthony Barrett Sr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, April 24, 2017.  A devoted husband of 55 years to his wife, Kathleen Langston Barrett, Ronnie was also a proud father, grandfather, uncle and professor. He was born on September 12th, 1936 in New Orleans, the son of John Anthony Barrett and Gertrude Schulz Barrett.
A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Ronnie graduated from Jesuit High School in 1955. He attended Tulane University and graduated from Loyola University, School of Dentistry in 1965 as Doctor of Dental Surgery.   He went on to earn a Master’s Degree and Fellowship in Oral Medicine from the University of Alabama, followed by a Master’s of Education from University of New Orleans.
Prior to his dedicated career as a dentist, Ronnie served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Submariner and in the U.S. Air Force as an Aviation Cadet. Following his military service, Ronnie worked as a marine biologist for the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries.
Dr. Barrett began his esteemed career in dentistry in 1968 as a founding faculty member of the Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Dentistry. During his 37-year tenure at LSU, Ronnie served in the Department Oral Diagnosis/ Medicine Radiology, Department of General Dentistry, and as Director of the Special Patient Care Clinic. Always recognized for his clinical proficiency as well as his academic knowledge, Dr. Barrett (“Doc”) was a favorite of the students under his supervision, including every graduate through the class of 2004, when he retired as Professor Emeritus. In addition to his numerous honors, accolades, textbooks and research publications, Ronnie managed a private practice with his wife and partner Kathy where they treated many wonderful and loyal patients.   Many of these patients were lifelong friends and the Barrett's thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to provide brilliant dental care and countless stories and jokes.  
Ever the Renaissance man, Ronnie truly lived life to the fullest, mastering each new skill and tackling each new challenge with enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge. Whether it was hunting, fishing, working in the yard with Kathy or teaching his grandchildren to waterski, Ronnie could usually be found fulfilling his passion for the outdoors and love of nature. Between his ability to fix anything and his infectious laugh, Ronnie was an easy person to love and was always eager to help anyone, anytime in any way that he could.
In addition to his parents, Ronnie was preceded in death by his brother, William H. Barrett Sr. Ronnie was the patriarch of his family, who will be remembered as her faithful husband by his wife Kathy, as a loving father by Karen Barrett Goldenberg (Richard) and Ronald Anthony Barrett Jr. (Cadence), and as a revered and adoring grandfather by his 11 grandchildren: Tyler, Davis, Catie, Langston, Miller, Barrett, Ellie, Coco, Raine, Peetsie and Winnie.
A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held on Friday May, 5th at Southern Yacht Club, 105 N Roadway St, New Orleans, LA 70124 5:30pm to 7:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either The Encephalitis Society (http://www.encephalitisshop.com/donation.php/), the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance (https://aealliance.org/support-the-alliance/donate/) or the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/About-NINDS/Who-We-Are/Donate-NINDS).
The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.greenwoodfh.com.

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