Bennie Barreras

Barreras, Benigno "Bennie" G.
Age 91, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016 at his home in Socorro, NM. He was born in Gallup, NM on February 9, 1925, to Felix and Damacia (Gonzalez) Barreras. His family then moved to San Marcial, NM, where as a young man, he worked on his father's property, local farms, as a ranch hand on many ranches dotting south central New Mexico and the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1943 he answered the call to arms and served as a Navy Radioman attached to the 6th Marines during World War II. He was honorably discharged in August 1946 and married the love of his life, Luisa Diaz, the following month on September 21st in Socorro. Bennie worked for Gambles for 25 years, but never strayed away from his love of the land and purchased a small family farm before building a home "in town" where he lived and raised his family. He than worked as Area Coordinator for the Office of Economic Opportunity and finally for the City of Socorro in multiple positions and retired as the Director of Economic Development, where he diligently and tirelessly worked with people from city, state and federal agencies to pursue grants and funds to benefit the City of Socorro. He always sought and was actively involved in many community roles and capacities; Justice of the Peace, County Commissioner, School Board of Education, Knights of Columbus, Fiesta Committees, Veterans of Foreign Wars and on the founding committee for the Socorro Mental Health Foundation. In his retirement years, New Mexico's rich cultural history became a great interest to him and he helped lead the effort to help establish the El Camino Real International Heritage Center. Bennie was comfortable in almost any environment and took the effort to make people he met feel the same. This was true in a chance meeting on the street, in a local store, a formal business setting, or at community and political events he was so eager to attend. Of late, you could find Bennie visiting friends, at home in his garden, maybe even chopping and stacking wood for winter, or as long as he was able, around a campfire in the mountains he knew so well, surrounded by the family he loved and was loved by so much. Adios Benigno. Vaya con Dios. Bennie is preceded in death by his two sons; Bennie Jr. and Frank; a daughter, Elaine Mata; and his wife of 65 years, Luisa.  Bennie is survived by children, Luis Barreras and wife, Mary Rose, Ben Barreras and wife, Carol, Luz Barreras, Felix Barreras, Cal Barreras and Aaron Foster, John Barreras and wife, Liza, and Mary Vallejos and husband, Richard; sisters, Emma Silva and Stella Craig; 17 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.  The Holy Rosary will be recited on Sunday, October 16, 2016, at 7:00 pm at San Miguel Catholic Church, 403 El Camino Real , Socorro. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday, October 17, 2016, at 9:00 am at San Miguel Catholic Church.  Celebrant Rev. John Anasiudu.  Burial will take place at San Miguel Catholic Cemetery  following service.  Pallbearers will be his children,  Luis  Barreras, Ben Barreras, Luz Barreras, Felix Barreras, Cal Barreras, John Barreras, Mary Vallejos. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to support the community outreach programs supported by Socorro Mental Health. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Bennie's care has been entrusted to  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
309 Garfield St
Socorro, NM 87801
575-835-1530