Fernando Barrios

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 3rd, 2020 the beautiful life of Mr. Fernando Barrios was tragically cut short. He fought a valiant fight after having survived a ruptured brain aneurysm followed by a coma in October of 2019. He spent the seven and a half months that followed showing everyone his determined spirit to not give up. His great love for his wife and family along with his hope for a future that he'd carefully planned for fueled his fight to recover. Those who knew him were shocked to learn that death finally wound up coming for him despite all efforts to continue his recovery and build on the improved health he'd already achieved.

Born to Myriam and Mario Barrios in Cuba on May 22, 1962, he immigrated with the rest of his family to the United States when he was still very young. Quite often, he spoke of his parents with an outpouring of love and affection, frequently allowing tears to well up in his eyes when recounting memories that caused him to miss the loving connection that they shared. Family meant a great deal to him and he had such pride in his rich Cuban heritage.

Those people who Fernando leaves behind will feel his absence more than mere words can ever express. They include:

John, his only son. This young man is an intelligent, determined, strong and resilient human being who has overcome monumental health obstacles in addition to working hard to complete an an Ivy League college education. He's emerged as a successful, charismatic, resourceful person with a blindingly bright future ahead of him. He made his father prouder then he was likely even aware of. No doubt he was a driving force that contributed to Fernando's desire to continue on. During recent times in the recovery facility when Fernando found it difficult to remain focused, the picture of his beloved John next to his bed was often pointed out to him. Aside from always causing a smile to spread across his face, it allowed him to refocus and anchor himself in feelings of love.

There are also four brothers who will miss Fernando being a part of their lives. Each of them held a uniquely special place in his heart:

Raphael (Ralph) is the eldest brother and was a pillar of strength in Fernando's eyes. Having been someone who survived a tragic loss of his own, one which might have brought other men to their knees. Fernando looked to him as an inspiration and as a role model.

Manuel (Manny) is the brother whose opinion was one that Fernando valued greatly. He always seemed to find comfort when speaking with him during difficult times. The love they shared never included any judgement and was always unconditional. It made him very happy to see Manny's children grow up to become such quality young people.

Carlos is the brother closest in age and undoubtedly the one that Fernando spent most of his time with in his youth. They remained devoted to one another until the very end. As adults, Carlos' wife Yvette became close with Fernando as well. Over the years they selflessly included him in the beautiful family life they built together. After having spent a great deal of time with their three children, his niece and nephews held a very special place in Fernando's heart.

Jess is the brother Fernando felt possessed real determination to succeed. Someone who inspired him to keep going when he felt like giving up. He often spoke about how smart Jess was and it made him so happy when Jess found his wife Mona, who he said complemented his brother so well. As Jess' family grew, Fernando enjoyed any chance to visit with his two nephews, who he adored.

Finally, his wife Linda was an addition to his life that he said made him feel like he could be anywhere that she was and he'd be at home. Their love was effortless while still being deeply meaningful. Fernando encountered his wife while they both were at a very different low point in their lives. They had found somewhere that they could go that asked them to dedicate their time to focusing on re-establishing a relationship with God. They worked to raise themselves up while also experiencing the satisfaction of giving back to others. Fernando spent four years devoted to a program of spirituality that grew to involve his volunteering full time to assist others in need. It made an impact on him that was profound. Properly focused on God, Fernando and Linda paid little attention to one another while they shared common space. Only after Linda left the discipleship program did Fernando extend the hand of friendship by making contact on social media. Fernando said that he never felt as connected to another person as he did on their first date. They were both enamored with one another and there was an intensity like nothing else. They had already begun to build a life together and were unbelievably happy when Fernando decided he didn't want another day to go by without Linda knowing what his intentions were. He proposed marriage, and while unexpected, she tearfully accepted. For Fernando to have so powerfully transitioned from a place of sadness and feeling alone to living a life filled with love, friendship and the promise of a future full of adventure was amazing. He rarely let a day go by that he didn't make his wife feel cherished, never hesitating to express how he felt. His love was a gift that Linda will never be able to properly thank him for. They were soulmates, and even in death, that will always remain.

So, please remember Fernando Barrios. Let him live on as an example of the good that can come when there's change within your heart. Remember his compassion, his charitable nature, his humor, his loyalty, his kindness and most of all, his desire to really get out and LIVE a life rich in meaning. Fernando will forever be missed and this world shines less brightly for having lost him.

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website.