Robert Barela

Robert (Bob) Barela, 89,  entered the gates of heaven on Monday, January 27, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Rosie Barela, sister Nellie Flores, and brother Joe Barela.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years and the love of his life Olga R. Barela; his daughter Leticia Barela; sons Robert and wife Deborah, James and wife Mary, Mark and wife Celene, Philip Barela; 12 grandchildren;18 great grandchildren; sister Rose Marie Calvillo (husband Gilbert); brothers, Ed Barela (wife Shirley), John Barela (wife Olga) also numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Mr. Barela served in the USAF and later worked full time with the NM Air National Guard until his retirement. In 1967 he deployed with the ANG to Vietnam where he distinguished himself by being awarded 2 Bronze Stars for valor and meritorious service. He was a long-time member of St. Charles Church and was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. The Archbishop of Santa Fe presented him the 2015 Archbishop’s St. Francis of Assisi award for his volunteer work and devotion to the church.

Bob enjoyed life to the fullest, playing golf, snow skiing, boating, taking cruises and traveling all over the world.

Pallbearers are his grandsons: Michael Barela, Matthew Barela, Carlos Barela, Adam Barela, Philip Barela, Shawn Potts, and Adrian Espinosa.

Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters: Venessa Johnson, Sara Swezy, Tanya Shatz, Erica Barela, and Stephanie Barela.

Bob's Life Celebration will begin with a Visitation on Friday, January 31, 2020 at 5:00pm at St. Charles Borromeo Church (located at 1818 Coal Pl, S.E.) Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held on  Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:00am at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Reception will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church gymnasium after the Burial.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Disabled American Veterans, Dept. of NM, 2511 Utah NE. Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505)294-6193