RIchard Barrett, Jr. February 23, 1959 – February 15, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook Richard (Richie) Barrett, Jr. was born in Women’s Hospital in New York City, New York on February 23, 1959. He was the only son and firstborn to Jacquelyn Hanks. Jackie was overjoyed and blessed with her happy healthy baby boy.
Richard was Christened at St. Luke AME Church, NYC, NY. Richard attended PS 186 in Harlem, where he joined the Glee Club and developed his lifelong love of music. Growing up, Richie spent his summers at Minisink Camp of Harlem in Port Jervis, NY.
As a teenager, Richie also worked at a veterinary clinic. Upon completion of grammar school, Richie was enrolled in and graduated from Eron Prep School, NYC. Thereafter, he attended Boro Hall Academy, where he earned an Academic Diploma, the Driver’s Education Award, and a scholarship to SUNY College at Old Westbury, NY.
When Richie began studying music in college he had already become a gifted self taught guitarist and musician. Richard loved to entertain family and friends with his own music, as well as covering some of his favorites by the Brothers Johnson, Kool & The Gang and Stevie Wonder. Richard lived with his mother and sisters in Harlem, the Heights, and the Marble Hill Section of the Bronx.
Richard was blessed with the birth of his only child on March 13, 1987. Richie worked as a legal secretary which afforded him the time to continue pursuing his music while living in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY. Richie loved fishing and would take his son, nephews and niece along.
He also loved the ocean and like to travel. Richie had the pleasure of touring with Black Ivory and The Village People. Throughout his entire life he created music.
Richie moved back to the Heights in the year 2000 to care for his grandmother, Eunice (Nana) Hanks McKenzie. Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents: Eunice (Nana) Hanks McKenzie and Roger (Granddaddy) Hanks; Uncle Gary Hanks; and two cousins, Shannon Wilder and Kasa Israel. Richard went home to be with the Lord on February 15, 2019.
Richie leaves to cherish his memory: his mother, Jacquelyn Ables; his son, Richard Robertson; three sisters, Richelle (Tia) Barrett, Rory Hogan and Karen Barrett-Pearson; one aunt, Rogene Flores; five nephews, Dana Lyons, Lucas Lyons, Ethan Lyons, Chris Pearson and Michael Pearson; three nieces, Ayanna Camara, Naomi Pearson and Katie Pearson; great nephew, Nicholas Lyons; and great niece, Madison Lyons; one niece-in-law, Mrs. Valen Lyons; two cousins, Gary Hanks and Stacey Grey.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
