Robert "Bob" Joseph Barrios III

Robert "Bob" Joseph Barrios III, was called home by his Heavenly Father on July 23, 2024. He was born on July 30, 1942, at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana to Robert Joseph Barrios, Jr. and Clemence Marie Poirier Barrios. Bob was a long-time resident of Westwego, Louisiana, where he attended Our Lady of Prompt Succor elementary school/church and graduated from West Jefferson High School in Harvey, Louisiana.

In 1964, Bob enlisted in the Army during the Vietnam War serving in the 82nd airborne and as a Green Beret until his honorable discharge in 1966. His transition into the life of an American after witnessing the devastation of Vietnam was a long and difficult period, but Bob began distracting himself as an adventurer and enjoyed a wide range of interests. Bob became a cowboy when he purchased Bojo, a muscular black appaloosa with spotting on his rear. Bojo and Bob enjoyed a 30-mile romp along the levy each week, and delighted friends and onlookers for 3 years in at least 12 jazz festival parades in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Bob hiked 250 miles of the Appalachian Trail, traveled Europe touring Paris, Rome, Austria, Germany, Dominican Republic and other countries which he and Barbara, his life-long companion, would decide to be a fun trip together. He enjoyed his Harley Davidson trip to Wyoming with friends, as well as his visits with friends in Avery Island and other places throughout the country. One of Bob’s life-long obsessions was his delight in owning sport cars, corvettes in particular. He often reminisced about his classic 1959 Black Corvette as well as his 1976 Cadillac El Eldorado Biritz which he never sold; and we can’t forget his Model A Ford.

Bob even owned and operated a Tour Bus Company for several years and then converted the bus into a beautiful motor home gutting the interior and using his carpentry and love of wood working to completely overhaul its cabinetry. He used skills he learned from a brief time working on rebuilding the wood interiors of high-end yachts. Bob would often comment on the emotional experience someone who loves wood derives from just rubbing the wood. Later in life he began making simple wooden crosses for friends and family.

Bob was Past President of the Westwego Rotary Club and always enjoyed the camaraderie of that club and its activities. In 2005, Bob was lauded by many in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. His connectivity to logistics leaders across the country paved the way for community and hospital leaders to access bus transportation. This aided transfers to other communities for persons to continue acute care, secure housing, or reach shelter away from the region while it dealt with Katrina’s punch. The Westwego Rotary recognized his extraordinary efforts with Rotary’s highest honor, a “Service Above Self Award”.

Bob retired As Regional Safety Manager at Stuart Stevenson in Marrero, which is a global designer, manufacturer, and provider of specialized equipment for the oil and gas industry. He then purchased a large cabin in Tylertown, MS for a continuous project of clearing the property around it, digging a pond, and renovating its interior.

To best describe Bob is that he always had a twinkle in his eye, loved people, loved music, and loved to truly LIVE each moment of his life. Even as a young lad, Bob exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit. After graduation in 1960, he began a Band as lead singer called “The Jesters” and played in most of the local rhythm and blues dance halls on the West Bank. Bob loved this period in his life which fed his delight in the interaction with people. He was a real people-lover, has that been said that enough? If you visited his home you might spend a significant time looking at all the pictures of friends and family on his 4’ x 8’ bulletin board, in addition to those which he had framed and strategically placed in every room of his home. He kept In touch with his friends from elementary school, as well as those whom he just met. When he became bedridden, Bob spent hours on the phone making and receiving calls from these life-long true buddies located throughout the United States. But, there was always a dog in Bob’s life as well -- either a German shepherd, Doberman, or Rottweiler. He was especially fond of his last Rottweiler which he named Dixie after one of his favorite cousins.

Bob shared his love of life, exotic cuisine, music, and photography with his daughter Michelle, never missing the annual Jazz Festival, trips to the French Quarter restaurants for the gumbo pot of international cuisines and, of course, the many New Orleans parades. Bob introduced Michelle to the Art of Photography, buying her first camera and encouraging her love of photography, which was one of his hobbies as well. The excitement of sharing continued when his lovely granddaughter Sophia was born. His eyes sparkled whenever he would share stories of her and her achievements.

Bob is survived by his daughter Michelle Barrios Nawaz, granddaughter Sophia Ynez Nawaz, and former wife Diana Harmon Barrios. He is preceded in death by his father Robert Joseph Barrios, Jr., his mother Clemence Poirier Barrios, brother Leroy David Barrios and his companion of 35 yrs. Barbara Savoie.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 30, (his birthday) from 9:30 to 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will start at 11:00 am and immediately followed by interment with Military Color Guard Honors at the OLPS Alfortish Mausoleum.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Christopher Costello of the Mothe Funeral Home for his exemplary helpfulness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, mass intentions at Our Lady of Prompt Succor are requested, or, donations to your favorite charities.