OBITUARIES
Roberto Arroyo
72, El Centro
Darin Barioni
58, Former Valley resident
Joseph Barraza Sr.
83, Imperial
Jose Escalera
69, Calexico
Richard Tamayo
77, El Centro
RICHARD (RICARDO)
M. TAMAYO
July 1, 1943 - Aug. 3, 2020
Richard (Ricardo) M. Tamayo, 77, of El Centro, CA, entered Heaven on August 3, 2020. He w ent peacefully, a t home, surrounded by his family and an abundance of love.
Richard was one of 1 9 children, born to Santiago and Francisca Tamayo. He w as born on July 1 , 1943 in Heber, CA and attended Jasper Elementary School, Meadows Union Elementary School and Calexico High School. During his years as a student at C alexico High, Richard served in various Student Body positions and was elected his Senior- Class Student Body President. He was also a proud member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Following high school, Richard attended Imperial Valley College (IVC), where he received an Associate of Science degree in P lant Science. His studies included agriculture business management, crop production, farm machinery operation and maintenance as well as real estate appraisal. It was during this time he began his career at the University of California Desert R esearch and Extension Center (UC DREC). Richard later earned his Agriculture Teaching Certificate and Certification State of California Department of Food and Agriculture Certified Application.
After one year i nto his career at U C DREC, Richard enlisted and served for the United States Army from 1965- 1967. In the Army, Business Administration became Richard’s primary f ield of study. Richard was nearly deployed to Vietnam; h owever, he was selected to represent and pitch for the U.S. Army’s M en’s F ast Pitch Softball team and was instead deployed to Germany.
Upon returning from his service with the United States Army, R ichard continued his career at UC DREC, working his way up to P rincipal Superintendent of A griculture. R ichard was responsible f or t he coordination and management of all aspects of operations in order to meet the needs of r esearch and project leaders. Richard was responsible for the supervision of career, casual, student and contract employees. Richard also established the foundation of what would later be known as t he Farm Smart Program.
Richard’s knowledge and hands on engagement with agriculture not only played a significant role in California but internationally as well. A fellow colleague, Mr. Keith Mayberry, was quoted as saying, “Richard contributed greatly to the success o f the agricultural production of C alifornia, the Nation and even had a worldwide impact.” Mayberry continued, “Richard’s supervision and expertise was the key to the development and testing of carrot varieties which were ideal for the baby carrot industry. He also oversaw one of the first commercial artichokes that could be grown from seed. This artichoke variety became commercially used worldwide including Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia. Without Richard, this may never have happened. The pelleting of lettuce seed experiments were a complete success and sped up the use of this technique across the USA. Richard played a major role in this testing.” Mayberry concluded, “Richard found significant discoveries that led the way to making a difference in modern agriculture.”
In addition to a griculture, R ichard’s love f or sports and youth athletics was undeniable. Richard dedicated a majority of his life to the lives of blossoming athletes, spending countless hours as both a coach and President of P op Warner Football, Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, Girls’ Softball as well as high school sports. His years of c oaching produced several undefeated seasons, Avocado Bowl Championships, Junior Rose B owl Championships, a Babe Ruth World Series run, as well as a championship as the coach of his granddaughter’s softball team.
Beyond Richard’s sporting achievements and victories, his truest joy came from simply being a loving mentor to the youth. Understandably so, Richard became a father figure t o an array of children o f all ages and ethnic groups. Many will recall the numerous post- victory trips to local pizza establishments and his providing of t okens for all to p lay. His kind heart and generosity truly had no measure.
During his later years, some of Richard’s favorite hobbies included his home garden, spending time with his family, e specially barbecuing his famous tri- tip. He enjoyed traveling to Ensenada and Magdalena Mexico, attending his local church, visiting buffets, chatting with his friends (especially at Euclid Market), catching up with his UC DREC colleagues, watching the news, being a proud Democrat, and telling lots of hilarious jokes. Richard was also a proud member of the Valley Missionary Program.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Francisca Tamayo and ten siblings.
He is survived by his wife, Adelita; sons R icky, Eddie and Alex; brothers, Cris, Paul, Danny, J immy Gilbert, Ernie and Johnny; sisters, C onnie Venegas and Frances Young; as well as his grandchildren, Keana, Ricky, R elekai and Richard.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, services and burial will be held privately ( for immediate family only). The family is saddened by these circumstances but ensures a proper “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held as soon as it is safe to do so.
JOSE EDUARDO
ESCALERA
Feb. 22, 1951 - Aug. 18, 2020
We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved brother, Jose Eduardo Escalera on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. Known as Eduardo to friends and family, he was a loving person with a big, giving heart who lived life to its fullest.
Born February 22, 1951, he graduated from Calexico High School and IVC. Eduardo served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a f rontline M60 Infantryman. He was honored for his brave service with the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
He became a successful business owner and contractor in Calexico, where he grew up. He led a life full of a dventure and excitement including enjoying hot rods, travel, and owning a gold mine.
He was t he oldest son of the late Jose and Celia Escalera Fernandez and brother to L uz Carmen Paredes Moreno of C alexico and Mario Escalera of El Centro. H e is survived by his wife, Norma, and his children. Our brother brought light t o our family with a smile that could open any heart. We will miss him greatly. We are consoled knowing that he is now reunited with our parents.
Service will be private.
DARIN RICK BARIONI
Feb. 27, 1962 - June 17, 2020
Darin Rick Barioni, age 58, passed June 17, 2020, at his home in La Jolla, CA. He w as fondly referred to as “Ricki” by his family and friends, and his daughters called him Daddy- O and Papita.
Ricki was born on February 27, 1962, in El Centro, CA. He worked with his father in their family business. Rick spent his childhood years growing up on the family ranch in Imperial, CA. He m oved to S an Diego in his teen years to a ttend Mission Bay High School. Ricki took full advantage of the enjoyable activities both hometowns had to o ffer. He loved riding dirt bikes and driving tractors in the Imperial Valley. In San Diego, he enjoyed flying planes, sailing, boating, surfing, body surfing and fishing. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in International Marketing from the University of N evada Las Vegas. Ricki will be remembered by all as a loving f ather, son, brother and friend. He was highly regarded for being patient, kind and having a positive o utlook on life.
He is survived by daughters Jenny Barioni and Grace Barioni; parents Donald Vick Barioni and Laquetta F ern Barioni; brother Don Barioni, Jr and his wife Angela Barioni.
He w as preceded in death by his loving grandparents Victor Barioni and Georgia Barioni of Imperial.
ROBERTO N.
ARROYO
May 13, 1948 - July 21, 2020
Roberto N. Arroyo, 72, of El Centro, C A passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.
Roberto was born on May 13, 1948 in La Barca, Jalisco Mexico. H e married Elvia I. Arroyo on March 21, 1972 in Mexicali, MX. Roberto worked in Agriculture for 40 years.
He w as preceded in death by his his parents, Joaquin and Maria Arroyo.
He is survived by his wife, E lvia I. Arroyo; sons, Joaquin Arroyo and Roberto Arroyo J r. all of El Centro; brothers, Francisco (Guadalupe) Arroyo of Calexico, Ca, Salvador (Rafaela) of Yuma, AZ, Juan Arroyo of Mexicali, Rafael Arroyo o f Mexicali; sisters Josefina Arroyo of Mexicali, Trinidad (Octavio) Felix of Yuma, AZ; 6 grand- children; 37 nephew’s and nieces.
A viewing will be held on Saturday, A ugust 29, 2020 a t 6 p.m. t o 9 p.m. with rosary at 7 p . m. at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley, CA.
JOSEPH “JOE” M.
BARRAZA SR.
Dec. 3, 1936 - July 31, 2020
Joseph Barraza Sr., 83, of Imperial passed away on July 31, 2020.
He w as born on December 3, 1936 in Imperial and later married Sylvia Godinez on October 7, 2007 in Gilroy, CA.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Sylvia G. Barraza; children, Joe Barraza Jr., Michael Barraza, Susan Rodriguez, D avid Barraza and Daniel Barraza; 12 grandchildren and 7 great- grandchildren; brother, Rudy Barraza and sister, Barbara Bargas.
Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 a t 9 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Brawley and will be officiated by F ather Ed Horning.