Richard Barela

Richard Barela, native of Santa Fe, went to be with our Lord & Savior on May 14th, 2023. Richard was born May 10, 1945, to Jose and Eulalia Barela, the youngest of 7 children. He is survived by his wife Diane of 52 years, daughter Lisa, son Steve, grandchildren (who fondly called him Papo) Adrianna & Alicia Baca, & Andrew Hurtado, brothers Ben & Ray Barela, sister Faye Romero, sister in-law Evelyn Martinez, beloved nieces Elaine Romero, Stella Padilla, and nephew Johnny Barela, and many other relatives. He had lots of friends, and his ride or dies were Dickie Montoya, Joe Trujillo, Robert Vigil, & Mon Montaño.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Yvette, parents Jose & Eulalia Barela, brothers Joe & Ernest, sister Mary Manzanares, & close cousin Robert Gorman.

Richard graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1963, served in the US Army from 1963-66, returned from the army and spent a year working for the US Postal Service as a mail carrier in Tucumcari, NM. He then enrolled at NM Highlands University where he received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He met his wife Diane during his time at Highlands.  They married in 1971, then moved to Williams, AZ where he worked for the Kaibab National Forest Service. They returned to Santa Fe after one year in Arizona upon accepting a job offer as an IRS agent. During his time with the IRS, he served as the union president for the New Mexico Branch and fought for the rights of workers. He retired from the IRS in 1993. While working full time for the IRS, he, his wife, and father-in-law Juan Martinez owned and operated a liquor store called The Pour House in Espanola, NM.  After operating the store for 3 years, he sold the liquor license and used those proceeds to purchase rental properties. He was an intelligent & savvy businessman. Upon retiring from the IRS, he obtained his CPA license, opened his own firm, and performed contract audits for the Office of the New Mexico State Auditor. He also served as New Mexico State Deputy Treasurer from 2003-2005.

After his service to the State of New Mexico ended in 2005, he and his wife began to travel the world together. They went to China, Russia, Egypt, Peru, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, Australia (a guy’s trip with he and his son Steve), and all the United States except Alaska because he said it was too cold. He enjoyed hot springs, could not get enough of karaoke, LOVED live Mariachi music, and never missed the New Mexico Boys State Basketball Tournament.

He was a proud long-time member of La Union Protectiva and served as President from 2014-2019, then as

Vice-President from 2019 until his passing. His commitment to the organization was fueled by the love he had

for his faith, his culture, and the City of Santa Fe. He was very passionate about the preservation of all three.

His biggest joy though, was his family. He thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated his wife’s cooking. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and always supported them in all ways. He spoke often of the legacy his daughter and granddaughter’s took part in as members of the 30-time state champions, the St. Michaels High School Pony Express Dance Team. He never missed a performance when they were members and would proudly remind people that his girls were State Champs. He was a fan of the UNLV Rebels, as his son is an alumnus.

Richard leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We take solace in the fact that he led a beautiful, full life on his terms. Descansa en paz Papo!

A special thank you to Compassus Hospice for their amazing support as Richard journeyed from this life to the next.

A Rosary followed by Mass at Cristo Rey Catholic Church in Santa Fe will take place starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, followed by burial service at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Rivera Funeral Home.