Leonel H. Barrera

Leonel Hinojosa Barrera

Moorpark, CA

 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7

Leonel Hinojosa Barrera passed away peacefully on June 28, 2018.

Leonel was born in Los Guerra, Tamaulipas, Mexico on December 25, 1933 to Bolfio Sr. and Rafaela Barrera. He migrated to the United States and attended school in Texas. He had to leave school at an early age to begin work to help his family.  

Leonel arrived in Moorpark in 1957.  Shortly thereafter he began working in construction and purchased a home for his parents and siblings who joined him in 1962.  In November of that same year he married the love of his life Aida Garcia.  They were blessed with two daughters, Brisaida and Areli Marissa.  

In 1972 he became a naturalized U.S. citizen, which began a lifelong passion of politics and civic duty. Leo made sure to always have voter registration applications ready for family members and friends and reminded everyone to get out and vote.  

Leonel worked in construction until his retirement in 1983.  Not one to sit idle, he and Aida began a side business of lawn maintenance which became a full time job for the next 20 years.  During this time his daughters married and grandchildren arrived.  He was a doting husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle.   

Leonel is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Aida; daughters Brisaida VanVreewsyk (Roy) and Areli Marissa Hernandez (Isaac); grandchildren Analise Hernandez Meza (Francisco); Elsa Yedinak; and Travis VanVreeswyk (Rachab); great grandchildren Olivia Meza, Audrey Yedinak, Jacob Yedinak and Lexx VanVreeswyk; brothers, Gildardo Barrera (Maria), Rigoberto Barrera (Velia), Manuel Barrera (Bertha), sister, Noelia Barrera, and sister-in-law, Manuela Barrera, numerous nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, great-grand nephews and great-grand-nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bolfio Sr. and Rafaela Barrera, brothers, Bolfio Barrera Jr., Rene Barrera and Roberto Barrera; sister, Nora Barrera; and sister-in-law Maria Luisa Barrera.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to their wonderful family, neighbors, and friends who provided love, prayers, support and companionship during this journey.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal funeral services.  There will be a private graveside ceremony at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.orgor Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, www.chla.org.  

Family and friends have asked what they could do to honor Leo’s memory…he would want you to be compassionate, respectful and live by the golden rule.  

He was a kind and generous man…rest in peace dad.