Louis Patrick Bareno
March 17, 1930 - January 20, 2023
CHULA VISTA — Louis Patrick (“Lou”) Bareno, 92, died Jan. 20, 2023 at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center. A lifelong San Diego County resident, Lou was born March 17, 1930 in Los Angeles, the eldest of seven children. His father emigrated from Loreto, BC, as part of a wave of pioneer immigrants from Mexico to the US, a story included in the book ‘Familia: Migration and Adaptation in Baja and Alta California, 1800-1975’ (U. of Calif Press, ‘91) by Robert R. Alvarez Jr.
Lou grew up in Barrio Logan and graduated from San Diego High School, a true Caver, class of ‘48. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 yrs, from 1948-50 in Japan and 1950-51 in the Korean War as a supply clerk, and was awarded a Bronze Star.
Lou eventually found his true calling in food sales to groceries with H.J. Heinz Co., covering San Diego and Imperial counties. A consummate sales professional, he earned much recognition and many friendships in the local grocery industry. After 28 years with Heinz, he retired in 1991.
Lou was happily married to his wife Maria Luisa for 50 years. They moved to Chula Vista in 1965, where they raised three children. They loved travel, spending time with family and friends from their beloved Mexico.
In retirement, Lou pursued a long-held dream of community service. He was site manager for the vote center in Eastlake for 30 yrs; served as president of his HOA; and volunteered at the Chula Vista Courthouse. The service closest to his heart was serving Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center in fundraising and community outreach. In serving others, he found fulfillment of his life’s talents and passion for people.
Lou is predeceased by his wife, and is survived by three children, Myrna McLaughlin (and son-in-law Joe), Louis (Aurora), and Albert, two sisters, Priscilla Lazzara and Bertha Martinez, a brother, Robert (Augie) Bareno, and grandchildren Stephanie, Brandon, Lillian and Ivy, & great-grandchildren Nolan, Natalie, and Hollis.
A memorial mass will be held Sat., 2/11/23, 2:00 pm, St. Rose of Lima Church, 293 H Street in Chula Vista. Interment at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery on 2/13/23 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sharp Chula Vista Auxiliary, 751 Medical Center Ct., CV, CA 91911.