Raul Barreras, Jr.

Raul Barreras Jr., self-proclaimed comedian and prankster, has finally gone too far. 

Raul Barreras Jr., lovingly known as “Ross” or “Junior,” passed away on July 30th in Pecos, New Mexico, at the age of 64. He was born on February 24, 1961, in Albuquerque to Pauline Arellano and Raul Barreras Sr.  He is proceeded in death by both parents. 

Known for his inability to whisper and talent for telling the most inappropriate jokes at the least appropriate times, Raul was an entertainer. If you crossed paths with him, you became his audience, whether you liked it or not.  

“Junior”, as his five siblings called him, was the baby of the family, and he spent his life living up to that name. Junior’s brothers, Syl (Alise)Jaramillo, Manny (Elaine) Arellano, and sisters Peggy (Tony) Lucero, Theresa Arellano, and Anita Arellano took on the role of caring for and protecting him, which he made sure was no easy task. 

As a teenager, Raul selflessly left school to care for his aging grandpa, who had dementia. When his grandpa’s illness had him believing he was a train passenger, Raul turned the living room into a train and played along just so he didn’t feel alone or scared. That’s who he was. He brought laughter everywhere he went. He knew how to ease difficult situations, usually with inappropriate jokes, but it worked. Junior was adored by his mom, siblings, dozens of nieces and nephews, and his community. 

Raul made his presence known with his questionable fashion choices, exceptional ability to fall asleep anywhere, and a snore that could interrupt hibernation. He was an expert in creating countless offspring without remembering any of their birthdays….

…..Maybe not countless, but five. His proudest accomplishment was always his family. He never shied away from expressing his love for Kelley, and their five daughters; Melissa Barreras-Thomas, Amanda Barreras, Brittney Barreras, Emily Barreras, and Mariah Barreras-Wilson, as well as his grandchildren; Malekaih Barreras, Jamarley Lewis, Melvin Wilson III, Mayvis Wilson, Isla Archibeque, and Scarlett Smith.

Raul had a unique and very public way of showing his love for his five daughters and their mother, Kelley. From sporting events to award assemblies, his daughters could always count on him to interrupt a silent moment with “GO GET EM AMANDA!!” Or “ALRIGHT MELISSA!!” Embarrassment was a skill he honed and perfected over the decades.

Along with these embarrassing memories, my dad left my sisters and I with eyes that disappear when we smile, and the highest level of stubbornness, charm, and street smarts. He taught us how to survive in a difficult world. He did what he wanted and lived life the way he wanted. He made mistakes, sure, like being a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, but he was also a protector. He protected Kelley and his daughters from that man selling sunglasses at the State Fair- and that was funny. It wasn’t funny when he protected his niece Theresa from that abusive boyfriend though, and we miss that protection. 

Dad- I miss you. I miss you when it’s quiet. I miss you when it’s loud. I miss your obnoxious snore. I miss your phone calls. I miss you teaching me about cars, how they work, and how to diagnose/mis-diagnose problems. I miss the smile behind “my God Brittneyyyyyy” after I’d say something outrageous. I miss your Norteño accent and I still wonder where it came from. I miss my biggest fan. I love you more than I ever told you. I miss you more than I thought I would. I really wish you were here to explain your short-shorts phase and the photos that have surfaced since you left. As I move into my new role as the FUNNIEST PERSON IN OUR FAMILY, I’m doing it with confidence. I know I got this because I learned from you. I learned from the best, and I know funny, I’m a Clown Fish.