Donald Gary Barnett was born on June 15, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA to Donald Henry and Christine Barnett. Donald was the youngest of two children. His sister, Valerie Stanard, and other family members affectionately called him Gary. Many of his college buddies and close friends called him Barney. The Barnett family lived on Colona Street in North Philadelphia. Donald was educated in the Philadelphia School System and graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1970. He received his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts from Cheyney University and his Master's degree in Computer Science from Grand Canyon University. While at Cheyney University, he was a member of the Wine Psi Phi (Tyronic23) social fraternity. He later pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as a graduate member. After learning to cut hair in his cousin Bobby's barber shop during high school, Donald used those skills to help pay for his famous purple convertible Charger by serving as a barber to students on campus.

As a child, Gary was a "momma's boy". He would hang onto his mother's apron as she washed the dishes. He helped her clean the house. His mom's example influenced his excellence in caring for his home as an adult. It was always clean and beautifully designed and decorated. He had a knack for accessorizing. Friends often complimented him for his home decor. Donald loved to shop. He loved stores like Burlington, Marshalls and HomeGoods and was always coming home with items that were unique and appropriate for the space. His love of shopping started with his mother Christine, who opened a line of credit for him at the department store Boyd's in Center City Philadelphia. He was always dressed to impress!

Donald loved to cook. His plating skills mirrored his beautiful home design. He was known for his barbecue ribs and sauteed crabs. His garden was a great source of joy. He would spend hours in the spring and summer tending to his potted plants and garden beds that were mini works of art. He would even manicure the grass after the landscaper left if it did not meet his expectations. Donald carried his love of beautifying spaces into his part-time contracting business, where he renovated many homes. His high standards were evident in the meticulous way he finished every detail of his renovations.

In 1977, Donald married Sharon Sears, and of this union, two daughters were born Shareese and Krystina. In 2009, he was united in marriage to Patsy (Foster) Harris until his death on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Their blended family includes Patsy's son Vincent. Donald was an extraordinary husband and a loving father, and grandfather. His family was his greatest joy. He was a constant source of support, laughter, and love, creating many cherished memories. He loved gathering history and pictures of his extended family and sharing stories that he remembered with his cousins.

In 1975, Donald began his teaching career in Chester, PA. In 1977, he settled into a lengthy career in the Trenton, NJ School District until his retirement on January 1, 2014. Donald was an Industrial Arts teacher, which included wood shop, metal shop, screen printing, and a computer building course. He was part of the Business and Technology Community at Trenton High. He believed that students should have hands-on experiences. As part of the Business Community, Donald participated in the running of the Trenton High School Store where the students worked as part of their curriculum. He loved this opportunity because it allowed him to inspire an entrepreneurial spirit in his students and prepared them to be future business owners. He helped many transition into jobs in the community through a co-op relationship with local businesses. When teaching silk screen printing, he and the students would create tee shirts for many district and school events. For several years he led the School Beautification Program which paid the students for six weeks during the summer for their work and support of the program. His daughter Kyrstina joined him in this work. During the school year, they would touch up the hallways as needed to keep the school beautiful.

Donald loved teaching his students and his students loved him! He dedicated his career to shaping young minds with passion, kindness, and a firm commitment to their success. Donald was an inspiring presence in the classroom, where he nurtured not only academic growth, but also the character and confidence of every student he taught. Donald was patient and believed in the potential of every child and worked diligently to make learning a joyful and meaningful experience. He knew many of his students were not receiving the support from home they needed so he provided a "father" presence, financial support for school events like the prom, and taught life lessons as a course to help the students prepare for their adult lives. His legacy lives on through them.

Beyond the classroom he was a dedicated son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, cherished colleague, supportive friend, and a giving soul to many individuals. He encountered many of his previous students who expressed their appreciation for how he inspired them to dream, achieve and carry forward the values of kindness, confidence, and perseverance.

Donald was preceded in death by his father and mother. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Patsy Barnett, his daughters Shareese Nelson (Napoleon), Krystina Spady (Andre), his bonus son Vincent (Karin), his sister Valerie Stanard (Ron), his grandchildren Napoleon, Jr., Kendall, Maya and Maxx, his nephews Marques Stanard (Qiana), Steven Stanard (Terri), his great nephews Steven Stanard, Jr., Nolan Stanard, his great nieces Amaya Stanard, Angela Stanard, and Cameron Stanard, a host of cousins and other relatives, along with a community of students, parents and educators who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Though Donald is no longer with us, his impact will live on in every lesson taught, every life influenced, and every heart will remember him with love.

A memorial service will be held on April 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 230 West Coulter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144.

Click here to watch the service on Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

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