John Francis Barela

On the warm morning of April 18th, 2024, John Francis Barela went home to his loving parents, Joseph and Sadie Barela, courageously and naturally while listening to an audiobook. The library was John's second home, and he spent his life dedicated to his parents. John was reliable, kind, funny, and caring. He was generous with his knowledge and was quick to give details from a book he read regarding any subject while doodling on the back of a napkin or scrap paper. John was shy and loved games, like chess and Dungeons and Dragons. John strategically pounded his opponents. He would let his niece win for a few minutes before swiftly and effortlessly gliding his pieces toward the king and an inevitable checkmate. Whatever the game, John preferred a good opponent and winning. He spent virtually every minute of the day with his nose in a book, coming up for air to see if he missed any new books at the Taylor Ranch Library.

John read, listened to, and watched virtually every subject matter and was enthusiastic about gumshoe detective stories, mythical worlds, philosophy, history, political systems, economics, comedy, and satire. The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones were some of his favorite books. John quickly adapted to the internet. With his trusty Kindle and headphones, he had plenty to read. Technology gave John the keys to the kingdom, and he took every advantage. John was proud of graduating from New Mexico State University and the University of California, Berkeley. But most of all, John loved being home with mom and dad.

John's surviving family are comforted knowing he is reunited with family in Heaven. John lived a simple and happy life; sipping a crisp Diet Coke from a straw surrounded by family, books, audiobooks, and games.

John is survived by his loving sisters and brother: Regina Cappello, JoAnna Hamman (Eric), and Lawrence; John's loving aunts are Angie Vallejos, Nora Rivera, and Corinne Willison (Ray); his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins loved John. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Joe and Sadie Barela, and nephew, Daniel Cappello.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at FRENCH - Westside Chapel. A reception will follow at the same location by the family.