Rosaleo (Leo) Barraza

Rosaleo (Leo) Barraza, 73, passed away on December 25, 2020 in Tularosa, New Mexico. He was born on June 14, 1947 in Carrizozo, New Mexico to Cecelio and Lydia (Apodaca) Barraza. 

Leo was a true hero who served proudly during the Vietnam War.  He served in 1967 and 1968 during the Tet Offensive.  He received numerous medals including the Bronze Star with "V" device; Army Commendation Medal; Valerous Unit award; Gallantry Cross with Palm unit citation, among others.  After his military service, he served as Otero County Assessor also served under Governor Gary Johnson administration as New Mexico Property Tax Director.  He then served as Los Alamos County Chief Deputy Assessor for many years.  He was a leader in the field of tax assessment and was admired and loved among his colleagues.

Above all, Leo was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle.  Family was most important to him.  And just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Leo managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

Survivors include his wife of thirty-one years, Dianna Duran, his two sons, Eric (Melissa) Barraza and Frank (Emma) Duran; three daughters, Yvonne (Mike) Barraza, Janette (Jason) Nowell and Leighann Duran; eleven grandsons, Dion Barraza, DeShawn Vaughan, Francisco Silva, Fabian Silva, Matthew Barraza, Jacob Lathan, Estevan Barraza, Isaac O'Neal, Anthony Nowell, Sean Davis and Gavin Nowell; two granddaughters, Alicia Centrella and Elaina Centrella; five great grandchildren; eight brothers, George (Tina) Barraza, Cruz Barraza, Julio (Alma) Barraza, Paul (Tish) Barraza, Lorenzo (Sylvia) Barraza, Cecelio Barraza, Fernando Barraza and Johnny (Yolanda) Barraza; six sisters, Josie (Benito) Granados Veronica Meadows, Nickie (Marty) Woods, Christina (Ricardo) Cardiel, Aurora Beverly and Trina Barraza and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecelio and Lydia Barraza; brother, Louie Barraza and a grandson, Marques Barraza.

Due to current Covid restrictions, private services and burial will take place at a future date.  

Should friends desire, contributions may be made to Love INC of Otero; 2826 Indian Wells Blvd.; Alamogordo, NM 88310.

The Barraza family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the arrangements.

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