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1937
2021
Tony Frank Barela was born April 21, 1937 to Maria Murrietta Barela and Guillermo (Willie) Barela in San Rafael, New Mexico. The family moved from San Rafael to Durango, Colorado in 1951. Tony attended Sacred Heart grade school for his primary years and Durango High School, where he graduated in 1957. Tony then attended Hollywood Beauty College to become a hairdresser. Tony was a hairdresser for over 50 years in Durango. Tony was preceded in death by both of his parents, his two brothers Nessie and Lalo, and his sister Phyllis.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Mary. Tony and Mary were married for 55 years. He is also survived by his son Anthony, his daughter-in law-Erin and their four children: Dominic, Michaelis, Gianna and Jude. Tony is also survived by his brother-in-law Nick Maestas, sister-in-law Delores Barela and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who cared for him while he was in Durango, Erie and the amazing care provided during hospice. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Darrell Howe Mortuary in Lafayette, Colorado.
A Holy Rosary will be said at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, October 21, 2021 @ 5:30 PM. Tony's Funeral will also be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday, October 22, 2021 @ 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking people to make donations to the Theatine Fathers (http://www.theatinesusa.com/) or St. John Vianney Seminary (https://sjvdenver.edu/support-sjv-today/) to support the development of future priests.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Darrell Howe Mortuary.
So sorry to hear of Tony's passing. Tony was well known and respected by everyone in Durango. He never met a stranger and treated everyone as though they were his best friends. Fly high and RIP Tony
Toni Isabel Gomez Gardner
Friend
March 31, 2022
Tony was a very special person. He made every client feel they were getting very special personalized care.
I will never forget his famous elk chili that he served for watching superbowls. He made me feel like a part of his extended family. I treasure the many things I learned from Tony about the southwest and his very special culture.
Durango has lost one of its most wonderful characters. Rest in peace sweet prince.
Jim Byerrum
Friend
November 9, 2021
Dear Mary and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Tony's death. His smile and wit touched so many hearts, and we will certainly miss him. Our prayers are with you.
Martha and Steve Sandner
Friend
November 3, 2021
Love and prayers to the family of Tony Barela. His laugh and huge smile lit up a heart for many years. Tony sang in the choir at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for a long time. Along with his beloved wife, Mary. Sending condolences to all the family during this difficult time. Peace and Good, as your loved one remains. ~O~ Prayers and support, to all the family members. God bless them, and the soul of dear Tony.
Eileen Haffey Brown
Friend
October 30, 2021
Mary & Family: I am so very sorry for your loss. We had such fun with Tony when he worked in the Mall. He was so good and kind to my sister, Marlene, which made us all his loyal supporters!! Bring him a snack during your appointment & he was thrilled!! Mary was so kind and such a wonderful nurse to my Father. Tony was so kind to Mom and us all!
My sympathy to each of you & May God Bless & Keep You during your loss and the hard days ahead!
In Sympathy, Becky Heizer
Becky H.
Friend
October 25, 2021
Tony worked with us at Durango Hair Company/Attractions for many years. We miss him, even when he made us mad. You couldn't help but love him.
Doris, Merv, Geney
Work
October 23, 2021
My condolences to Mary and to Tony's family. He always had a smile on his face and was so nice. Rest in Peace Tony.
Emily Gomez
October 21, 2021
Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed having you as neighbors in Durango. I have fond memories of both you and Tony, and the joy and generosity you freely gave.
Joan Forry
Friend
October 20, 2021
Mary and family - I am so very sorry for your loss. Tony was a joy to be around, truly he and Mary were some of the nicest neighbors anyone could have. I think of him every time I see a candle.
Tanya Swartzbaugh
Friend
October 20, 2021
Mary, Anthony and family, we are so sorry to hear of Tony´s passing. Tony made life much easier for me during the summers I spent in Durango. Tony went out of his way to meet people. Through him, I was able to make my home at Sacred Heart Parish the 28 seasons I worked for the D&SRR. I was able to know all the great people in the parish.
May Tony Rest In Peace.
Gene & Lillian Corrigan
October 19, 2021
Mary and Family, I am so sorry about Tony. You and your family will always have a place in my heart. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Doris Holt
Doris Holt
Friend
October 19, 2021
Mary and Anthony, I'm so very sorry to hear about Tony! He was loved by our community and will be missed. I'm sending you and your family heartfelt prayers. With Sympathy, Sally Silva
Sally Silva
October 18, 2021
Mary and family,
So sorry to hear of Tony´s passing.
You all are very special to us. Please accept our sympathy.. Love & prayers... Larry & Martha
Larry & Martha Gomez
Friend
October 18, 2021
Dear Mary, Please know my sympathy, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family.Tony was such a wonderful person and you two such a great couple! He will be missed greatly, but loved always, even more.
With love, Mary Margaret Mason Dunbar
Mary Margaret Mason Dunbar,
October 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of visiting with Tony while getting my hair cut or permed. He always had great stories and a real love for his family. May he Rest In Peace.
Laurie Larricq
October 17, 2021
Tony loved his faith and his family. He would talk about Mary and Anthony while he cut my hair. My sympathy and prayers to his family. Requiescat in pace, Tony.
Rose Raab, Silverton
Other
October 17, 2021
I will never forget the fun times I had with Tony and Mary. We had many laughs and stories that will be great memories. Will always be remembered in my heart a man that loved life.
Terry A Rosenbaugh
Friend
October 16, 2021
Our Sincerest Sympathy in the loss of your loved one ! He did our mothers hair for years- Was very kind . May he RIP
Gloria Romero
October 16, 2021
our condolence to the family. remember him when lived in Durango, RIP Tony
Nellie Reyes Romero
October 15, 2021
Mary, Anthony and family, we are so deeply sorry to hear of Tony's passing. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers God Bless you all.
Maxine Martinez
Family
October 15, 2021
Dear Mary and Anthony and family Joe and I just wanted to let you all know how sorry we are for your loss. Lots of memories mostly thru wrestling. Also thru church seeing you both up on the alter singing. God bless all of you. Joe & Lois
joseph Zuber
October 15, 2021
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