Emilio Barber

Emilio Barber lived to be 90 years old and resided in Lakeside with his wife where he passed away on January 12, 2024. Emilio fought a long tough battle with diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure. Emilio was born February 17, 1933, in Los Angeles at White Memorial Hospital, to parents: Emilio and Jesus Barber. He was the fourth of seven children, surviving sister Lupe Ortiz. Emilio met Leonor D Zavala and fell in love, then later married on November 8, 1958 where they went on to have four children: Diane, Cynthia, Joseph and Kathleen. Five grandchildren: DeVeres, Santo “Anthony”, Ryan, Blake, and Shelby, and six great grandchildren; Layla, Lillian, Natalie, Saylor, Drew, and Mauel. Emilio was happily married to Leonor for 65 years. After marrying, Emilio took his family to Santee in 1969 where he kicked off his career in construction and building swimming pools. His work took him to places like Texas, Northern California and Arizona. His profession was demanding but he learned to work hard and endure difficult situations but also learned to value family, friends and the fruits of his labor. He loved life and loved his “Vieja” Eleanor. Together they learned to work as a team to get things done, whatever it took they accomplished it by being supportive of one another. Emilo loved time with his family. He loved family gatherings at the beach, the holidays, watching football games on Sundays and eating his favorite traditional Mexican food with loved ones. During the last years of life he especially looked forward to weekend outings with Ryan, his grandson on special trips to the beach, reading the Bible and getting to know Jesus through scripture. It was a special time for them both. In the months before his death, he struggled to fight for his health, his family was with him in the last days of his life. Dad always knew mom was there, he would grab her hand and tuck it under his chin and would relax. Mom took care of dad until the very end. The bond between these two was their enduring love for each other. Dad because of you we all have determination, strength and everlasting love of family. Your unstoppable ability to dream, we will keep you in our hearts forever with God's peace.

Emilio Barber

February 17, 1933 - January 12, 2024