George Barela Obituary

George Louis Barela was granted his angel wings on April 15th, 2019.

Mr. Barela was born November 23, 1955, in Fresno, California, to Joe and Lucy Barela. He was the youngest of 5 children.

He's been a man of faith since he was young, serving the Lord as an altar boy in his local church, Saint Alphonsus. He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, California. He continued his education at Fresno City College and graduated with an associate degree in criminology. George then went on to further his studies at San Joaquin Valley College and Fresno State.

Mr. Barela served as both a police and correctional officer for over 30 years working in the cities of Fresno, Madera, Chowchilla, San Jose, Visalia, and Kerman.

George was a regular donor to Valley Children's Hospital and donated over 70 pints of blood over his lifetime to the Central California Blood Bank. He worked with various charities.

His interests included star gazing with his loved ones, gambling in casinos, and the sport of running.

Many describe George as an interesting and unique individual with a big heart. He was always helping others the best way he could simply because he cared deeply.

During his last few months on this earth, he fought like no other. He was a very strong and courageous individual in that he took whatever came his way. He no longer is enduring the pain that pancreatic cancer brought onto him. George was called Home and there he went.

He is survived by his daughter Brianna, son Basilio, and two brothers, Don and Joe Barela.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, Joe and Lucy Barela, his sister, Julie Velasquez, and brother, Jerry Barela.

A memorial service will be held May 24th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The rosary begins at 10:30 am and the service at 11 am. There will be a lunch taking place in the parish hall directly after.

"I'm free.

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid for me,

I took his hand when I heard him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work and play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void.

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savoured much;

Good friends, good time, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seems all to brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief;

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now,

He set me free"

Rosary Holy Spirit Catholic Church Friday, May 24, 2019 10:30 AM Email Details 355 E Champlain Dr.
Fresno, CA 93730 Directions Mass of Christian Burial Holy Spirit Catholic Church Friday, May 24, 2019 11:00 AM Email Details 355 E Champlain Dr.
Fresno, CA 93730 Please join our family for a luncheon in the Parish Hall immediately after Mass. Directions