Octavio "Pancho" Barrera

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Octavio “Pancho” Barrera after a long, hard fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Octavio was born on June 9, 1937 in Namiquipa, Chihuahua Mexico to Manuel and Eustolia Barrera. The eldest of five, he left home at the young age of 19 and headed towards “El Norte” in search of work and the opportunity for a better life.

He worked as a Bracero in Texas and New Mexico before traveling to California to work in the tomato and asparagus fields of the Central Valley. Eventually he made his way to the Napa Valley and landed a job with Christian Brothers Winery. They provided housing for their field workers at the time at their ranch in Calistoga, which is where he met our mother, Stella (Reyes). Our grandmother,Toni, was the head cook at the labor camp and Stella was her full time assistant. They fell in love and were married in 1964. They recently celebrated their 61st anniversary.

After a successful 25 year career as a vineyard supervisor for Christian Brothers, “Pancho” retired and went to work at Silver Oak Cellars where he worked for 12 years maintaining the grounds of the winery.

Once retired from Silver Oak, he spent most of his time working on his house, his beloved “Brown Truck” and doting after his grandkids alongside his trusty sidekick, Cheerio. 

Never one to ask for help, he was the kind of man that stood on his own two feet and always found a way.

Octavio is predeceased by his parents Manuel and Eustolia and his brother Angel.  He is survived by his wife Stella, daughter Rita, sons Octavio (Cecy) and Daniel as well as his six grandkids, four great grandchildren, his three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to extend our gratitude towards the entire staff at Collabria/Providence and Senior Helpers for their great care, compassion, and professionalism they showed both Octavio and Stella throughout this difficult ordeal.

On Monday, March 17th, beginning at 4pm, a viewing and rosary will be celebrated at Tulocay Cemetery (411 Coombsville Rd)

On Tuesday, March 18th, at 11am, mass will be celebrated at St. Apollinaris Catholic Church (3700 Lassen St) with a reception to follow at Tulocay Cemetery.

Rest easy, Dad, we'll take it from here...

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