Armand Barasa Obituary

Former Allison resident Armand Barasa died Thursday, May 30, 2013, at his home in Anaheim, Calif. He was 94.

Mr. Barasa was born to Romeo and Angelica (Lionville) Barasa on Nov. 26, 1918, in Allison. He was one of seven siblings and half-siblings. A first-generation American, his parents had emigrated from the same small village of Quassolo, Italy.

Growing up on the family homestead, he herded cattle to the family's summer pasture in the Blanco Basin above Pagosa Springs and attended the three-room Allison School through the 10th grade. His father died at that time.

Mr. Barasa loved playing baseball and was signed as a pitcher by the Chicago Cubs when he was 17 for $100. He attended the team's camp in 1935 on Catalina Island, Calif., but did not go on to play for the franchise.

He returned to California in 1938 after working in the silver mines in Silverton and met Joan Rebischke at a dance. The couple married in November 1939 in California and settled in Los Angeles.

Mr. Barasa owned a shoe-manufacturing business in Los Angeles for more than 46 years. He was an active member of the Vernon Rotary Club.

He attended St. Boniface Catholic Church in Anaheim, where was on the Finance Committee. A fourth-degree member of Inglewood Council No. 2327 of the Knights of Columbus, he held a number of offices and was a California state deputy from 1975 to 1976.

Mr. Barasa was a member of the International Order of Alhambra and of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem for 27 years. When his daughters attended St. Mary's Academy, he served as president of the Fathers' Club.

Always interested in sports, Mr. Barasa played fast-pitch softball and was an avid bowler in his early years. At various times, he enjoyed season tickets to the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. Mr. Barasa enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their sporting endeavors.

He also enjoyed traveling, gardening, particularly at their second home in Rush Lake, Minn., and fishing.

Mr. Barasa was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Joan Barasa, in 2011; and grandchildren Joy Marie Ibbetson and John Armand Ibbetson.

He is survived by his daughters Judith Ibbetson, Gayle Chiotti, Mary Granger, Denise Giambalvo and Camille Bauer, all of the Los Angeles area; sister Violet Barasa Piccoli of Durango; 29 grandchildren; 69 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, June 13, 2013, at St. Boniface.