Manuel Barrera

Manuel Alnibar Barrera
1946-2022
Manuel A. Barrera passed away peacefully on May 23, 2022 at the age of 75. He was surrounded by family in his home of over 50 years when God called his name.
Manuel was born on July 4, 1946 to Bolfio and Rafaela Barrera in Los Guerras, Tamaulipas in Mexico. He was the youngest of nine children. In 1948, he and his family moved to Santa Rosa, Texas where he spent his early childhood playing football, working in the fields with his brothers, and playing the trumpet in the school band. In 1959, he moved to Moorpark, California where he resided for 61 years until his passing. It was here that he met his beloved wife Jennie Bertha Lopez, both attending and graduating from Moorpark High School in 1966 as high school sweethearts.
In 1966, Manuel bravely enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967 where he proudly served his country for 3 years. He returned home in 1969, and started a family of his own. Manuel and Bertha were married in their families’ church in 1969 and spent 53 years together. Manuel and Bertha welcomed their first child, Virginia, on the day of their first anniversary. 5 years later, they were blessed with their second daughter Andrea, followed by their 2 sons, Manuel and David. Manuel was a well-respected and hard-working man, and spent 20 years working in carpentry. After a career in carpentry, he worked for the city of Thousand Oaks, building and maintaining the streets of his local community. He happily retired in 2006, spending the next 16 years doing the things he loved most.
Manuel was a happy and outgoing man, loved by all who spent time with him. A music man at heart, Manuel played guitar in a Rock and Roll band—the Vindigs—in his teenage years, playing at many parties and events. As a young adult, he dedicated his time to his kids and his community, coaching little league baseball and attending sports events. He enjoyed camping, fishing, casino road trips, and playing cards with his “compas”. After retirement, he focused his time on his 4 grandchildren. Grandpa Manuel enjoyed gardening, eating ice creams, and watching cartoons with his grandkids. On weekdays, he could be spotted in his minivan packed with kids rocking out to Elvis Presley. He attended every game and every recital, proudly cheering on his grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Manuel loved attending barbeques, drinking beers, and watching the Dallas Cowboys football games with friends and family.
Manuel will be remembered by those who knew him as a strong and dedicated man, a hero, and a patriot. He had a large smile and a loud laugh that made even the simplest moments fun. He lived a full life, and leaves behind a large family to carry on his legacy. We are heart-broken at his loss, but we are better and stronger people to have had the privilege of knowing him.
Manuel is survived by his wife Jennie Bertha Barrera; children Andrea (Wallace) Boggess, Manuel (Annette) Barrera II, and David Barrera; grandchildren Danielle Boggess, Michael Boggess, Leanna Barrera, and Manny Barrera III; and brothers Gildardo (Maria) Barrera, and Rigoberto (Velia) Barrera. He also leaves behind countless family and friends. Manuel now sits beside his daughter, Virginia Barrera, his parents, and his 6 brothers and sisters in heaven.
A Rosary service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Reardon Funeral Home—2636 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley.
Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church in Thousand Oaks. The burial service will follow at Ivy Lawn—5400 Valentine Road, Ventura. This will be followed by a celebration of life—the location is to be announced.
We will meet again Grandpa, Si Dios Quiere. Until then, Howdy from below.