Jesus G Barreiro

With sadness and great affection, we announce the peaceful passing of Jesus Gonzalo Barreiro, lovingly known to many as "Chucho," on December 2, 2025, at the age of 96. Born on November 28, 1929, in Havana, Cuba, to Manuel and Celestina Barreiro, he spent a carefree youth there, enjoying time with his beloved sister Josefina (Fifa), playing baseball, and developing what would become his lifelong hobby of boating and fishing. Chucho was a star student and proud graduate of De La Salle School. He would go on to study at the University of Havana, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. While not studying or fishing, he courted the young lady who would become his partner for nearly 70 years, Olga (Lopez), marrying her in 1957.

In 1958 the greatest joy in their lives came, their daughter, Susana. Fleeing the tyranny of communism, they were finally able to come to the USA (Miami) in January 1963, on a Red Cross sponsored ship. In his adopted land, the proud new American re-upped his engineering credentials, obtaining a PE. Soon thereafter, he founded an extremely successful general contracting company, BEC Construction. Their iconic buildings are particularly apparent in Coral Gables and have well stood the test of time. In his downtime, when he was not working or doting on "the two girls in his life," he continued to fish, enjoying quality time with friends and family in the Florida Keys. He also pursued his love of photography and travel, documenting his many trips with friends and family meticulously through albums to ensure preserved memories. He was particularly fond of visiting his family in Spain, whom he was very close to and cared for very much. Chucho was an incredibly generous person, opening his heart and home to countless family members and friends throughout his life.

After Olga and Susana, the greatest joys in his life were his grandchildren, Alexander and Monica. He retired to spend quality time with both, and he certainly accomplished that, never missing a game, recital, or family trip. He went from being referred to by the nickname Chucho, to being christened "Bubo" by his grandkids. In early 2020 he and Olga welcomed their first of four great grandchildren, only furthering the joy in his life.

He will be greatly missed by all he touched, as a friend, son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His gentlemanly manner, generosity, keen intellect, and willingness to do anything for family and friends will long be remembered, and we can all wish, emulated.