John F. Barnett

John F. Barnett, 52, of Philadelphia. John passed away on August 6th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family and was warrior till the end. John was predeceased by his parents Donald and Nancy, his younger brother Ted and his nephew Reilly. John is survived by his beloved wife Sheila Flynn, brothers Leon, Jim, (Mary Jane) and Bill, (Jenny); sisters Ann Marie, Grace, (Dan O'Callaghan) Donna, (Simon Shurey) and Mary Agnes (Nicolas de Vanssay). John is also survived by his nieces and nephews who he adored: Anna, Sophia, Luke, Ellie, Megan, Kelly, Molly, Caroline, Grace, Jamie, Olivia, Louis, and Mathis, Alicia, Jackie, Meaghan, Julian, Brent, Rylee, and Benjamin. Originally from Jenkintown PA, John attended Immaculate Conception School, Bishop McDevitt HS, and Drexel University. John and Sheila were married this past Halloween at the Philadelphia Art Museum in a semi private surprise fashion that exemplified their love for each other and those that were with them. John went by many monikers including Vacation Johnny, Juan in a Million, Johnny Reds, Jean Francois, Johneeeee, Reds, and JB. He was humble to the core and truly astounded by the outpouring of love, care, and affection when he was first diagnosed and throughout his treatment. John was a prince of a man who was loved by virtually every person he encountered. His easygoing manner and quick wit made him the love of our lives. His wit and sarcasm are legendary and he missed no opportunity to toss out a zinger. He was so many people's favorite person and he will be truly missed. John was fully engaged in the recovery community in the Philadelphia area for many years. His compassion for those in recovery made him a trusted friend to many, and his involvement helped many in their most difficult circumstances. He took a sincere and true interest in others and always showed up. The deepest and most authentic relationships of his life were a result of this community. He loved to travel, and travel he did. He visited China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, The Philippines, France, England, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Hungary to name a few. His favorite destination, though, was the beach, and he could be found at the Jersey shore on a many summer weekend. His favorite by far was Nantucket where he could be found on the South Shore ocean beaches with shades on, toes in the sand, and Sheila by his side. John also had a deep fondness for the city in which he lived and loved. Some of his favorite haunts were Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square, and all the culinary gems the city had to offer. John loved to be outdoors, swimming, hiking, shooting hoops, and skiing - he was on the slopes in Stowe as recently as this past February. Being outdoors and active in nature were such a true part of his soul. As a director of sales and marketing for a boutique art and custom furniture design firm in Philadelphia for many years, John developed and nurtured relationships with many premier retailers of fine furnishings including Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren, and Restoration Hardware. Of these relationships, he was most proud of the bonds he forged with the smallest of artisans and craftsmen with whom he worked to produce some of the company's finest work. John was well respected and trusted by everyone he did business with. John chose an alternative path of treatment and was at peace with his choices. He lived large and with dignity until the end. Family and Friends are welcome to come to a celebration of John's life on August 9th from 9am to 11am followed by his Funeral Mass at 11am - Immaculate Conception Church in Jenkintown PA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a walk with the people you cherish and think about John. He will be forever in our hearts.