John C. Barela

John Charles Barela-74 A longtime Santa Fe resident, New Mexico died peacefully at home on Wednesday July 14, 2010 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Barela was preceded in death recently by his beloved wife of over 55 years Alfonsita (Pita) Barela on February 8, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his three children; John Robert (Bobby), Ernest Wayne, and John Charles Barela, Jr.; his father Benjamin Barela in 1940, his mother Carrie Bustos in 2005.

John was born in Boulder, Colorado in 1936, and was raised by his late Grandparents Anastcio and Anita Barela of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is survived by daughter Geraldine Martinez and grandson Raymond Martinez; son Joe Barela and wife Shirley and grandsons Jericho and Jordan Barela; son Anthony Barela and wife Carolyn of Albuquerque, NM; son Tom Barela and wife Carla and grandchildren Conner and Camyrn of Corrales, NM; son Kenneth Barela and wife Terese; son Ronald Barela and wife Christine and grandsons Gabriel and Jeremy, grandchildren Eric, Bernadette, Lisa Marie, Rachel, Alicia, and great granddaughters Zaiyden and Channel also many other cousins, uncles, aunts, and friends.

John attended and graduated with honors from St. Michaels High School in 1956. He served in the New Mexico Army National Guard from 1955-1957. He worked as a finish carpenter for Dale Bellamah in the 1960s, he then went on to be a counselor and basketball coach at the New Mexico School for the Deaf from the mid 1970s 1980s. He then went on and started J.C.B Construction and Plumbing in Santa Fe. He was known for his beautiful Kiva fireplaces, Portales, and custom carpentry. John was a teacher and a mentor who shared his skill and knowledge with everyone who worked with him. During the time that his wife became ill he stood by her and cared for her until he became ill himself and could not take care of her anymore.

He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, Son and Brother. He will be greatly missed by all of those who loved and new him. . He was a kind, gentle person with a great sense of humor. He never denied any person in need, especially his children. The world will be a smaller place without him. We miss and Love you Dad.

Funeral services are as follows: A viewing and rosary are scheduled for Thursday July 22nd beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the rosary being recited at 8:00 p.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Santa Fe. The mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday July 23rd at 10:00 a.m. also both at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 511 Alicia Street, Santa Fe, NM. (located at the corner of Alicia and Hickox Streets). Cremation will take place following the funeral mass and his remains will be laid to rest next to his loving wife Pita at a later date in Peñasco, New Mexico. Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola. (505)753-2288, toll free (800)443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com