In Memoriam: Robert J. Barnat, 1946-2023
Founder & Owner of the Robert J. Barnat Insurance Agency in Framingham
Robert J. Barnat, 77, of Ashland, Massachusetts, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, at Massachusetts General Hospital surrounded by his family. Born in Methuen, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Linehan) Barnat.
Raised in Methuen, MA, Bob graduated from Methuen High School in 1963 and Merrimack College in 1967. He started his career in insurance in 1968, later employed with Allstate out of Sears in the Natick Mall, where he made many lifetime friends. In 1990 he opened the Robert J. Barnat Insurance Agency in Framingham, building his business over the next three decades. His legacy of caring for his customers will be continued by his son, John Barnat, and trusted colleague, Lori Bruneau.
Bob was an avid sailor, hosting many friends aboard his sailboat, the “High Risk,” in Boston, Gloucester and Falmouth. He loved to golf with friends and ski in Vermont at Killington & Magic Mountain.
Bob was a devoted, amazing father and loving grandfather. He is survived by his son John & John’s wife Sarah of East Boston and his granddaughters, Ellen Mary & Holly Marion. Bob is also survived by his siblings, Barbara DeFruscio & her husband Tony of Salem, NH, and Daniel Barnat & his partner Thomas Monteleone of Waltham, and his longtime companion, Nancy LaBrecque of Ashland.
Family and friends will honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Wednesday, September 27th from 1-3PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to: Massachusetts General Hospital, https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate.
Mr. Barnat’s obituary is reprinted from the McCarthey, McKinney, & Lawler
