Richard Joseph Barra Sr.

1941 - 2024

Richard Joseph Barra Sr., age 83, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away surrounded by family, in the New Orleans VA Medical Center, on October 8, 2024. Richard was born in New Orleans on February 3, 1941, to Winzel Barra and Helen Barra Leblanc. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Yolanda Barra; daughter, Ingrid Barra; and sister, Barbara Matthew (Henry). Richard leaves to cherish his precious memories one son, Richard Joseph Barra Jr.; two daughters, Tanya Barra-Dukes (Randy) and Ashley Barra; five grandchildren, Kailen Barra, Hailey Dukes, Ethan Fox, Kaliah Fox and Marcie Fox; one great grandson, Kane Dison; nieces/nephews and a host of family and friends. Richard was a proud member of St. Augustine High School's Alumni (Class of 1960). While in school there, he ran track and worked a newspaper delivery route each morning to pay for his "Purple Knight" education. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army. Richard took pride in telling stories about his station in Germany and overall growth in the United States Military. He later attended Straight Business School, married and started a family, and enjoyed a long career as a chemical specialist at Poly Chemicals in Metairie, LA. Upon retirement, Richard shifted gears. He became a Board Member at St. Peter Claver Credit Union and embarked on a successful second chapter of work as a Real Estate Agent at Martha Ann Samuel and Gertrude Gardner Realty Companies. When he wasn't working, Richard enjoyed cooking, eating, taking long walks, and spending lots of quality time with his family. Richard's greatest accomplishment was successfully raising his three young children, with the help of his mother, after losing his wife when he was only 30 years old. He was an amazing father, who fully supported, protected and loved his children, never leaving their side. A funeral is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024 at St. Raymond and St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Ave. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until mass begins at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Dominic Njoku, SSJ will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Richard's life. A repast will immediately follow. Burial is scheduled to take place the following week at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the doctors and exceptional nursing staff at the VA Hospital who cared for Richard like family, as well as Love and Kindness Personal Care and Respite, LLC. May the Lord Grant Richard Eternal Rest and let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. Services Entrusted to the Caring Staff of: Professional Funeral Services, Inc. "Celebrating Life" 1449 N. Claiborne Ave. New Orleans, LA 70116. 504-948-7447.