Efigenio R. Barrios

SEPTEMBER 21, 1931 to FEBRUARY 23, 2013

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal” Anon

Efigenio Ruiz Barrios was born in Maragondon, Cavite Philippines, to Jose Barrios and Raphaela (Ruiz) Barrios on September 21, 1931. He was the grandson of the late Maora Riego de Dios. His siblings are Eusebia Tuazon (deceased), Paulita de Guia, Gaudioso Barrios (deceased), Juanita Gomez and Zenaida de Ocampo (deceased).

He graduated from Nasugbu High School. He attended Far Eastern University in the Philippines before enlisting in the Philippine Air Force and attended Southwestern College in Chula Vista, CA after his military career.

He was married to Leoncia Loyola Oribello on July 12, 1959, at Nichols Airbase Chapel, Nichols Airbase, Rizal Philippines. Efigenio and Leoncia have two daughters, Aileen Oribello Barrios and Eliza Oribello Barrios; two granddaughters, Leanne Marie Harris and Arielle Michaela Barrios; and one great-granddaughter, Kamea Lani Harris.

He was in the Philippine Air Force, from March 1951 to September 1957. After his service with the PAF, joined the United States Navy and received his U.S Citizenship. He served his country from October 1957 to December 1976. He served during the Vietnam War. He was stationed on five Navy Ships and five Navy installations before his retirement. After his military career, he was employed by U.S. Customs (now under the Department of Homeland Security), the U.S. Post Office, the San Diego County Assessor's Office and the U.S. Department of Defense.

He was a member of Unified Pilipino Association of San Diego, the Maragondon Association, the Luna Association, Saint Charles Fil-Am Association, and the Santo Nino Association. He generously supported all Filipino associations endeavors when asked and was his wife's biggest supporter regarding her religious affiliations.

He maintained strong ties to friends met many years ago in the Philippines, as well as with friends he met when he moved to the United States. As one of the senior members of those who came to the United States, he often helped others in the transition and acclimation to their new country. He also provided support to many members of his family who have petitioned for residency in the United States.

He died on February 23, 2013 in his family home from conjestive heart failure. His passing was as peaceful as loved ones could ever hope for. He is survived by his sisters, Juanita Gomez and Paulita de Guia, his wife, Leoncia Barrios, his daughters, Aileen and Eliza Barrios, and his granddaughters Leanne Harris and Arielle Barrios and great-granddaughter, Kamea Lani Harris. He is also survived by all his godchildren – many of his relatives and long-time family friends chose him to be godfather.

“Don't cry because it's over – smile because it happened”

His funeral service is on Friday, March 15, 2013 at Saint Charles Catholic Church, San Diego, CA.

His final resting place is at Glen Abbey Memorial, Bonita CA.

“I have only slipped away into the next room, I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Play, smile, think of me. All is well.”

~ Henry Scott Holland (shortened from What is Death?)