Thomas J. Barrens, 89 of Vero Beach, FL died Friday, January 16, 2009 at VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach.
Mr. Barrens was born February 12, 1919 in New Haven, CT and was a resident of Vero Beach for 4 years, coming from Coram, NY.
He served in the United States Air Force for 28 years, retired as a Chief Master Sergeant and was a veteran of WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was the Chief Clerk in charge of compiling the strategic bombing survey of Europe after the conclusion of World War II. Sgt Barrens had the honor of presenting the completed report to President Harry S. Truman at the White House. He served as Director of Security for Suffolk County Community College for 11 years. Mr. Barrens was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach and was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus.
Survivors include son Martin D. Beirne, Jr. of Houston, TX; son Thomas J. Barrens, Jr. of New York, NY; daughter, Ann Simon of Vero Beach, FL; son, James Michael Barrens of St. Petersburg, FL; sister Anne Panico of Dix Hills, NY; brother James Barrens of Levittown, NY; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Catherine Kay Barrens. In 1995, after being admitted through the Portone di Bronzo, Tom and Kay were escorted to the Popes private chapel for a mass celebrated by the Holy Father. Following the mass they met Pope John Paul II in his library for a private audience.
Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 24, 2009 at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Helen Catholic Church, 2000 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.