William (Bill) Thomas Barnett, of Tinton Falls, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 20, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Born in Chicago, Ill, and formerly from Colts Neck, NJ, Bill was the oldest of five siblings (Lowell, Mary, Raymond and Colette) and attended the Illinois Institute of Technology where he graduated with a B.S.E.E. in 1958. He was employed with AT&T Bell Laboratories and graduated from New York University with a M.S.E.E. in 1960. While at Bell Labs, he was responsible for analysis of microwave Digital Radio Systems, directing theoretical studies and experimental verification to improve microwave digital radio communication. Bill was a Fellow of the I.E.E.E. and recognized for work in his field. Following his retirement from AT&T, he was employed by Telos / Fort Monmouth 1991 – 2005. Bill was a faith-filled member of St. Mary’s Parish in Colts Neck. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. He was an involved member of the Boy Scouts, including leadership roles with Troop 290 of Colts Neck. He loved playing golf with family and friends. He was also an active member of the American Cut Glass Association for a number of years. Most importantly, Bill was a devoted and loving husband, brother, father and grandfather. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Lowell and Colette, and by one of his four siblings, Mary. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Alta, by his two children, Chris (Gina) and Laura (Greg Wiest), and by his five grandchildren, Nathan (Brittany), Maggie, Thomas, Christina and Claire. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 23rd from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ. A memorial mass will be offered at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, on Friday, February 24th at 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Immaculate Conception Monastery, 8645 Edgerton Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432. To send a condolence to his family or for further details, please visit his Book of Memories at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.