Bartolome R. Amaro

Bartolome Red Amaro, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and close friends on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain in El Paso, Texas. He was born on August 10, 1940 in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines to Bartolome Amaro, Sr. and Josefina (Red) Amaro. His father was a World War II veteran and survivor of the Bataan Death March. Bart was the middle of three children. He often fondly recounted memories of his time in the Philippines: all the kalokohan (shenanigans) with his barkada (friends), chaperoning his older sister’s dates, and being a loving uncle to his four nephews. Bart earned his degree in economics from the University of Santo Tomas.

In 1980, Bart immigrated to the United States and settled in El Paso, Texas. His first job was as a dishwasher at Eastwood Hospital and then worked at Texas Commerce Bank. He was often part of the welcoming party for Filipino nurses recruited to El Paso, which was how he met his wife, Lilibeth. They married in January 1984 and had two daughters, Theresa and Mary Jo. Bart worked for Century 21 for 13 years during which he became a member of the Million Dollar Club as a result of his success as a real estate agent. He then transitioned to retail and worked in the men’s department at Dillard’s. Bart, along with Lilibeth, worked full-time while attending night classes to eventually earn their Master of Business Administration degrees in 2004. Bart then retired to be a stay-at-home dad to care for his daughter, Theresa, who has cerebral palsy, and eventually to attend to his declining health.

Bart was a bibliophile having read Russian classics such as War and Peace and The Brothers Karamazov before delving into works by his favorite author, Robert Ludlum. He was an avid basketball fan, which is an appreciation he passed down to his daughter, Mary Jo, and grandson, Daniel. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls games were often on the television set. Bart loved music and dance. Music was always playing in the house, and for many years, he and Lilibeth went to McGee’s (former country Western bar in El Paso) every Wednesday night to learn country line dances.

Most of all, Bart will be remembered as a generous, gregarious, family-oriented, and God-fearing man. He was outgoing and always made sure to say hi and speak to every person at a party. He opened up his home to all his guests and ensured everyone was fed. During his early days in El Paso, he frequently lent out his car to newly arrived Filipinos who didn’t yet have any means of transportation. He always made sure to express his gratitude towards those who performed acts of kindness to him or his family. Bart was a supportive husband to Lilibeth throughout her nursing career and as they parented a child with special needs. He was the biggest cheerleader for his daughter, Mary Jo, as she pursued a medical career. As the years went by, Bart grew deeper in his Catholic faith and became a prayer warrior having a long list of family and friends for whom he would pray and would recite the rosary every day no matter how tired he was.

Bart is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Lilibeth; daughters, Theresa Amaro and Mary Jo (Daniel) Esparza; grandsons, Daniel and Matteo; younger brother, Randy Amaro; and several cousins, nephews, and nieces. Bart was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Morly De Los Santos.

Funeral services are as follows:

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Martin Funeral Home - West

128 Resler Dr.

El Paso, Texas 79912

4:00 - 8:00 pm - Visitation

6:00 pm - Rosary

Reception to follow - food and beverages will be served

Friday, December 1, 2023

Queen of Peace Catholic Church

1551 Belvidere St

El Paso, Texas 79912

10:00 am - Mass

Memorial Pines Cemetery

3061 Mem Pines Rd

Sunland Park, NM 88063

11:30 am - Burial

In keeping with Bart’s hospitality, all are welcome to attend.

Bart’s family would also like to extend their sincerest and deepest gratitude to the staff at The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain, especially to the ICU team who cared for him during his final days. Their attentiveness, compassion, and care will always be treasured by his family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Amaro family.