Joe Humberto Barraza

Beto was born on June 18, 1945 in Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango, Mexico to Francisco Barraza and Balbina Barraza Soto, who have proceeded him into the next life. Though Beto put up a valiant fight, he lost his battle with cancer in the end. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maria; daughter, Yvette; son, Gabriel; their respective spouses David and Lourdes; and five grandchildren, David, Alejandro, Cesar, Maximiliano, and Ixel; as well as his five siblings: Magdalena, Luis, Francisco, Gustavo, and Hector. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

Beto was a devout Catholic. Practicing his faith quietly and consistently all of his life. He served his country honorably as a combat veteran for two tours in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant. It was in the Air Force that he became “Joe,” and this experience shaped him. Though he continued to love his country, he came out of the war a pacifist, and years later even transformed into a social justice warrior. Anyone who knew Joe, felt that non-judgmental peacemaker vibe coming from him; but people also knew that he had the power of his convictions.

Joe worked hard and played hard. He was proud of his 35-years with UPS. He did his job safely, happily, and with lots of energy. He was also a natural athlete, having boxed at the amateur level, and played various sports including baseball, tennis, and golf. He began running marathons at the age of 40 and completed 15 of them, with two sub-3-hour times, and also placed in several 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races. One of the many Forest Gump moments of Beto's life was the honor of carrying the Olympic torch for the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. However, his passion above all other activities was Basketball. He played the game with abandon, competing well into his late 70s with players less than half his age. He was an avid Lakers and Dodgers fan, and a fare-weather fan of his daughter’s USC Trojans and son’s UCLA Bruins.

Beto loved music. He was in a rock and roll band in his youth, playing the drums and guitar. But more than anything, he enjoyed singing like crazy with his family. He just about drove some members crazy when he discovered Karaoke. Joe was a jack of all trades, willing to try anything from officiating, coaching, mechanical work, plumbing, gardening, card playing, cooking, and even attempting to challenge his grandkids in their professional gaming ventures. But beyond what he could do or was willing to do, Joe was amazing at what he could make you feel. His big toothy smile and twinkling eyes were infectious. His story-telling and mischief-making were hilarious. He was a notorious social butterfly, who loved to hold babies, get in the dirt and play with kids, and was even a bit of a Dr. Dolittle with animals, especially being dog’s best friend. Beto was a helper, a fixer, and a listener, who made everyone and anyone feel special. He had a Wonderful Life, and like a Mexican George Bailey, he touched so many people’s lives in meaningful ways, but unlike the movie, Beto did not take life for granted, he was grateful to God and all those he encountered from the beginning. For this reason, Maya Angelou’s words are so fitting for Joe: “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again."