Gabriel Ramirez Barcelo born March 14, 1944 passed quietly away at home on August 25, 2020 at the age of 76. He is survived by his two children, Julio Barcelo of San Diego, CA and Manuel Barcelo of Newberry, NC and granddaughter, Adea Jerrica Barcelo and great grandchildren, Jai’kaylyn Lucille Wilson and Demarcus Derell Pitts. He is preceded by his eldest son, Gabriel Jr., 2006 and his second wife, Lillian Barcelo, 2018, father, Ralph Moreno Barcelo 1982 and mother, Simona Ramirez Barcelo 1991; sister, Julia 1969 and brothers Jose and Matthew, 1993, 2016, respectively. Brothers Nicholas, Martin, and Anthony and sisters, Rosario Cruz, Maria Juanita and Henrietta survive along with 21 nephews and nieces and 22 great-nephews and nieces, and 6- great-great nieces and nephews.
Born on Chicago’s Near West side, he grew up in the Roxbury and Little Italy areas and served as an altar boy at Old St. Patrick’s Church, and learned to be a skilled tool and die professional. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, he enjoyed laughing aloud and sharing stories about his much loved sons, one of whom served in the U.S. Navy, granddaughter, and family.
He always remembered experiences from the past that kept him consistent in the present. His hearty laughter, quick smile, respectful demeanor and good-hearted and optimistic spirit were appreciated by all.
Burial and family graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 12 at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL.
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Gabriel , you will always remain in my mind a great brother in law. Miss you. May
God carry you forward.
Your family are in my prayers.
Rest in Peace.
Your sister in law
Miranda( you know as Brenda).
Wow I’m shocked. My mom Jose’s sister in law Dorothy had just talked to him in June or July. She just mentioned tonight how she had tried contacting him as he always returned her calls. I just happened to put his name on Google and to my dismay saw this..So so sorry for the Barcelo’s loss. Gabriel was such a gregarious fun loving guy😥😪
To the BARCELO family,this is CHARLIE OLIPHANT,Wilma,who use to be BARCELO’S son.I had the privilege to be raised by GABRIEL from about the age of 7 until my early teens._He was a GREAT STEP FATHER,he never wanted to be introduced as a STEP- Father,but always told people I was his son.Even after he moved from BRIDGEPORT CONNECTICUT,we stayed in touch until a few years ago.He was a GREAT FATHER,very family oriented.I learned from him how to treat my step-daughter when I got married.He was a very hard worker and took great care of my mother.I will always love him and miss him.I only had the pleasure of meeting one of his sisters,Henrietta,when she came to Connecticut.He talked a lot about Mattew,who I never got to meet.Rest in peace.
Dear Miranda –
I’m certain Gabriel hears your prayers and kind sentiments. They are much appreciated by all his sons, brothers, sisters, and nieces and nephews.
It is comforting that your memories of him are like ours and that his good humor and spirit was always shared and welcomed.
Peace be with you always, and thank you for sharing.
La Familia Barcelo-Ramirez
Dear Charlie,
“Use to be” is something Gabriel would never say. Once you were in his affection, you had piece of his heart. And, if he saw you across the street, he would call you out loudly, greet you with a bear hug — and introduce you as his son.
He was that kind of person with that kind of human spirit. He is beaming a smile to hear how his example and affection for you has passed on to your daughter and family.
Thank you for sharing such inspiration and the memories you carry in your heart, and like in us, where they will remain.
Peace be with you and your familia and remain well.
Familia Barceló- Ramirez
In the times that I had to know my Father in Law he was a funny and very happy person. I’m during the times had talk with him I enjoyed him and he was a real and I cherish those memories of him. His Stepson who he referred to his Son always spoke good things about his Father and what he learned and taught him and we give our condolences to to the Family!!!! Love Sheron and Charlie
Prayers, and my heart goes out to Manuel and the Barcelo family…your in my thoughts as well.
❤️Tasia
Dear Tasia Guin,
On behalf on Manuel’s father’s family, your good wishes and sentiments are a welcome.
Manuel’s father would have embraced you with a soft soft smile and an expression of appreciation for being a such a good friend to his son and family.
We, too, thank you for that friendship and the kind words of support.
Sincerely,
Barceló-Ramirez Family
To my Uncle Gabe
Although it has been a while since we’ve had the opportunity to see one another I’ll always have the memories of family gatherings and you and aunt Lil always being a big part of those gatherings. And the only one to continue to call me by my childhood nickname “benny” (short for Benita) to this day!
RIP You’ll be missed. ❤️
Dear Sheron Oliphant,
Gabriel loved to share his laughter with others who shared theirs. He could reflect a person’s sparkle with his own by making them laugh with that wonderful sense of humor.
He was able to endear himself to others with laughter. Once, during a medical check-up using his sister’s cell phone, both of them wearing face masks, he greeted his doctor by introducing himself as the Lone Ranger and thumbing at his sister as, Tonto. The doctor couldn’t help laughing out loud with a “‘Whoa, and where is Silver?”
Thank you for sharing his laughter and the good memories you and his son, Charlie, keep.
Peace be with you and yours and remain well.
Sincerely,
Familia Barceló-Ramirez
Dear Benita –
You are will always remain “Bennie” to Uncle Gabriel with much warmth and cariño, even in heaven.
He won’t greet Great-Grandmother Benita as such — but you, always.
ox