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Ariel Heriberto Barrera, 89, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully under the care of his loving family on Monday, March 3, 2025. Ariel was born on March 16, 1935, in Laredo, Texas, and graduated from Fox Tech High School. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and reached the rank of Sergeant. His dedication to serving his country was matched by a remarkable 37-year service career for the City of San Antonio, retiring as an Assistant Manager for Information Services. Outside of his professional life, Ariel was an active and passionate individual. He was a friend to everyone he met. In his younger years, he enjoyed amateur league bowling and softball as well as spending time in his boat on the water with his children. In retirement, Ariel found joy in his workshop, creating beautiful wood art and furniture as well in his travels to Las Vegas and New Mexico for a gambling junket with his wife and anyone who wanted to join him. Ariel was a proud and devoted grandfather, cherishing every moment spent with his grandchildren. Sunday breakfast was a longstanding tradition in his house so that he could catch up with their lives. He supported them at their games, school events, and graduations, always celebrating their achievements. His love and pride for his grandchildren were immeasurable, and he often said he saw God in each of them. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Clelia Castro Barrera; daughters Rossana Hernandez (Edward), Rosemary Salmon (Ron), Roxana Alvarado (Stanley) and Rosetta Martinez (Jaime); sons Ariel Aaron Barrera (Serena) and Sixto Barrera; brothers Erico Barrera (Nellie) and Obie Barrera; sisters Carma Roberson, Melba Walker and Nedra Garcia. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michelle, Michael, Kelly (Felipe), Kara (David), Nicholas (Ashley), Andrew, Ariel Nathanial, Darian, Sophia and Hayden; great-granddaughters Brandy and Baby Barrera, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you to Vitas Hospice Healthcare for their compassionate and supportive care services in his final leg of his journey on earth. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Interment to follow at San Jose Burial Park.

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Ariel H. Barrera

March 16, 1935 - March 3, 2025