David A. Barraza

David “Dave” Barraza, age 91, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Sunday, July 6, 2025 with his loving family at his side. He lived a long, full and wonderful life as a devoted and loving husband, a proud father (affectionately known as “Pops”), a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather, a beloved son and brother, and a dear friend to so many.

Dave was born on March 16, 1934 in San Francisco to David and Helen Barraza. He spent his early childhood in Seattle before returning to San Francisco during his elementary school years. His family eventually settled in Santa Clara, where Dave attended Bellarmine College Preparatory and later graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Dave’s career unfolded during the early days of Silicon Valley’s growth. He worked at pioneering technology companies including Hewlett-Packard, Sound Technology and Convergent Technologies, before retiring at the end of 1998 while working at Unisys.

In 1955, Dave was introduced to Arlene Silva by a good friend. After a few dates, Dave knew Arlene was the one he wanted to walk through life with. They were engaged in July of 1956 and initially planned for a January 1957 wedding. However, after receiving his military draft notice on December 15, 1956, Dave and Arlene quickly moved up their wedding and were married on December 26, 1956. Dave served two years as a radarman aboard Navy destroyers. Based out of Pearl Harbor, he sailed throughout the Pacific visiting ports in Japan and the Philippines.

Following his honorable discharge, Dave and Arlene settled in the San Jose area where they built a wonderful life centered on faith, family and love. When asked about his guiding motto in life, Dave was quick to reply with “Family First.” He cherished his life with family and was never happier than when surrounded by his loved ones – sharing stories, laughs and meals together.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, David and Helen; his sister, Helen; and his beloved wife Arlene, the love of his life. He is survived and dearly missed by his children, Richard (Dawn Marie), Steven (Robyn), Kenneth (Gloria) and Linda (Thomas Lighthouse); his nine adored grandchildren, Lauren (Joseph Gaggero), Erica, Shelby (Daniel Cooper), Beth (Kyle Otto), Matthew (Kat), Emma, William (Alicia), Mitchell and Hannah; and two step-grandchildren, Nicholas Magill (Elizabeth) and Shelia (Ryan Beard). Additionally, Dave was blessed with six beautiful great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy, Charlotte, Hank, Brady, Madison, Joseph and Robert.

A visitation and rosary will be held on Thursday, July 31st, 5:00 p.m. at the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Boulevard, Santa Clara.

A memorial mass will take place on Friday, August 1st, at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of Apostles Church, 4911 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose. Following the mass, Dave will be laid to rest beside Arlene at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street, Santa Clara. Following the burial, the family invites guests to a lunch reception back at the Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Queen of Apostles Church or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in support of those in need – a cause close to Dave’s heart.