Daniel Herman Barnett

Daniel Herman “Dan” Barnett, 86, passed away peacefully at Regency at Augusta Senior Living in Fishersville, Va., on August 20, 2026, just two days shy of his 87th birthday.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on August 22, 1939, he was the son of Max Weil Barnett and Olga (Reshke) Barnett. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps.

Dan and Theresa Ann “Terry” were married in New York on September 4, 1965. Many years after the birth of their daughter, Jean Marie, he moved the family to the suburbs of Long Island. Dan worked for the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 20 years in various positions within the subway transit system, enduring a long commute to work. Shortly after retirement, they moved to Stuarts Draft, Va., in 1990. Their home was the setting for many family gatherings and celebrations. They enjoyed camping and good times with the neighbors' mealtime celebrations for many years. Shared adventures, included a love for traveling, memorable trips to Ireland and Alaska.

One of the greatest gifts from my Dad was he was a lifelong source of love, encouragement and I always knew he believed in me. My Dad wanted the best for you, whatever you choose in life. He encouraged his entire family. He made time for the things that really mattered most. A warm, playful, fun-loving father growing up, who also taught lifelong lessons. He would at times say, “take care of yourself, ” when saying goodbye. Even in his final days, he was still being my Daddy, saying to me “take care of yourself,” was simply another, his way of saying, “I love you.” The time we spent together, that particular afternoon, a lasting profound gift of time in my heart.

Our Grandpa was one of a kind. He had a generous heart, loved us unconditionally. We will miss his stories, as he had something to say about everything from sports and TV to everything in between. Most of all, we will simply miss having him with us.

He enjoyed baseball and was a fan of both the Yankees and the Mets. He also enjoyed football and NASCAR racing. Most of all, he enjoyed having friends and family together to watch sporting events.

Dan took great care and pride of his home. He was especially known for keeping his cars well maintained. In later years, he continued to love going out to eat, especially for Italian cuisine, with dear neighborhood friends and his family. It made his day, hearing about his great-grandchildren, and how everyone was doing, was always top conversation.

In the final year of his life, my Dad made the decision to attend Fishersville United Methodist Church and became a member, returning to the faith of his childhood, growing up in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. He found great joy, comfort, and a renewed sense of connection there.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Terry Barnett.

He is survived by his daughter, Jean Marie and her husband Clayton; grandchildren, Nicole and her husband Jonathan Makenzie; great-grandchildren Henry and Finn; sister, Ruth and her husband Richard also a niece and nephew.

Dan lived a full life and will be remembered in so many ways, one for being young at heart. He truly never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

We are profoundly grateful to the staff and care team at Regency at Augusta Senior Living. For nearly two years, you provided extraordinary dedication, kindness, and loving care, getting to know my Dad. Your personal touch and support has meant so much. We are also deeply grateful, for the compassionate support, tender care and gentle comfort, visits from the steadfast care team at Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, for half of this year. We thank so many, over the years in our midst, for your caregiving, guidance, unwavering friendship and support for Dan and his family, especially during his time of illness.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Fishersville United Methodist Church, with Reverend Peter Choi officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow at Riverview Cemetery in Waynesboro, Va. Military honors will be provided by members of the U.S. Marine Corps.

McDow Funeral Home is assisting the family.

For those who wish to do so, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to one of the following:

Augusta Health Hospice of the ShenandoahP.O. Box 909Fishersville, Va. 22939Attn: Augusta Health Foundation

Fishersville United Methodist Church1600 Jefferson Hwy.Fishersville, Va. 22939