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Robert "Bob" Ignacio Sena Barela, 85, a life-long resident of the North Valley, passed away on January 20, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of 63 years to Viola Rivera Barela. Bob was very proud of his daughter, Patricia Barela Rivera and grandson, Rob Neutzling. He was a community, civic leader and lifelong volunteer, who was committed to the well-being of all New Mexicans. He believed in improving social security and keeping it sound, preserving Medicare and Medicaid, and maintaining a high priority on Alzheimer's research. He was a self appointed advocate for the senior population for issues involving low income families, education, the unemployed, senior affairs and veterans. As a concerned citizen, he did his best to influence and persuade Congress to adopt laws to protect the health and safety of all citizens. Born of humble beginnings in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, he was one of eight siblings of Eulogio and Piedad Barela. He was a life-long member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. Bob began his life service to humanity by serving in the US Air Force as a surgical technician, in the South Pacific. He received the following military awards: Presidential citation and the White House Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Harry Truman. Bob received a Congressional Certificate of Merit Award for the NM Major Housing Project. He was a member of the City of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County Dept. of Senior Affairs Advisory Board and also served a two year term as chairman. He was the Vice-President of LULAC Council #8002 from 1970-1971. Bob was awarded a LIFE membership by the American Legion Post #69 for 52 years of service in 1998. He received an American Legion National Award naming him "Mr. Area District Commander." Bob was the chairman for the SER de Albuquerque Advisory Board. He received a National Award for Equal Opportunity for Hispanics presented by the National SER Jobs for Progress. Bob was a member of the National Hispanic Council on Aging, and also a member of El Paisano Educational Resource Center. He served a four year term as one of the 100 nation-wide Silver Senators of the National Silver Haired Congress. Bob had been appointed New Mexico Advocate Representative for the National Committee to Preserve and Protect Social Security and Medicare, and was a member of the United States Coalition on Aging. He was the President of the Catholic Youth Organization, President of the Alameda Improvement Association and was instrumental in establishing the water system for the residents of the North Valley. One of his greatest pleasures was his involvement with State and National AARP where he held several key offices, and The Foster Grandparent Program. Bob was also Chairman of the University of New Mexico Home Improvement Project. Recently, he was on the Senior Advisory Board for Lovelace Hospital. He was a supermarket manager from 1946-1966. Bob was a Manpower Development Specialist and a State Employment Coordinator. In 1989 he retired as a State Deputy Labor Commissioner. His favorite past times were ranching, hunting, and fishing. He is survived by two brothers, Ernest and Wilfred Barela; sisters-in-laws, Roselia Trujillo, Lilly Chavez and her husband, Vivian Chavez; brother-in-law, Alex Vigil; sister-in-law, Erlinda Barela; numerous nieces, nephews and a community of supportive and loving friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dolores Martinez, Viola Vigil; and brothers, Claude, Eulogio Jr., and Eloy Barela. He was a man of great character and dignity. Everyone he met he touched their hearts with love and kindness. Bob was a happy compassionate person with a positive attitude. He always put a smile on people's faces. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9am Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 9502 Fourth Street, where family will receive friends from 6-7pm Monday, with a Rosary Service following at 7pm. Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers: Eric Maberry, Daniel Valdez, Michael Chavez, Pete Salazar, John Trujillo, and Roger Abeyta. Honorary Pallbearers: Bob's beloved nephews, nieces and friends. The family wishes to thank the Ambercare staff for their faithful and caring support. Those who wish to express condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Mr. Barela's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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