Michael A. Barreiro was born in Havana, Cuba in 1944. He died in Bedford, Texas on January 11, 2022, from a heart attack. His mother, Gloria Rosales Travieso Barreiro, a native Cuban, was a homemaker. His father, Miguel Barreiro, was born in Galicia, Spain and immigrated to Cuba as a child. Miguel served as a diplomat with the Spanish Embassy. In Michael’s early years his family lived in a hotel that one of his uncles owned in Havana. He would tell stories of large festive family dinners, lively music and many joyful times. Michael, aka “Nico,” loved hanging out in the kitchen watching his Uncle prepare huge feasts and sampling the delicious local fare. He also spent much time happily playing on another Uncle’s farm.

In 1960, Michael immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba at the age of 16 with the hope of a better future. He arrived with a small group of boys sponsored by Catholic Charities and they lived with a host family in Spokane, WA. He attended school and acclimated to American culture. In 1962 he had the opportunity to move anywhere in the country, he chose Boston. The city’s cobble-stoned streets and four seasons were quite a change from the tropical island climate he was accustomed to. Shortly afterwards Michael settled in Boston and proudly became a U.S. citizen.

One day, while walking in Copley Square, Michael met the love of his life, Kathryn Rasile, when he offered to carry her laundry bag. Kathryn hailed from Schenectady, NY, and moved to Boston to attend the Cambridge School of Business. Their first date was ballroom dancing at Moseley’s in Dedham. They were married a year later and had two children, Natalie and Michael. They raised their family in Brighton and West Roxbury, MA. Michael spent his entire career working with American Airlines in fleet service – first in Boston at Logan Airport and then in Dallas.

Michael was known for his warmth, lightheartedness, generosity, great sense of humor and willingness to lend a hand. He was a dedicated family man and lived by his Catholic faith and strong conservative values. While he worked nights and Kathryn worked days, they were active in Holy Name Church (West Roxbury) and their children’s school activities. They were also active members of St. Michael’s Church (Bedford). 

Michael was a voracious reader and a die-hard Red Sox and Patriots fan. He had a penchant for cooking – his specialties included seafood chowder, paella and Spanish chicken with rice. He also loved to travel. He took many trips with Kathryn over the years to visit family and friends in upstate New York, Miami, the San Francisco/Bay Area and San Diego. He enjoyed exploring new places - favorites included London, Vancouver, Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii and Mexico. You could often hear him happily singing The Beach Boys’ song, “Kokomo.” 

Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Kathryn; children Natalie Barreiro (husband Scott Seiden) and Michael Barreiro; grandchildren Isabella Barreiro Seiden and Roman Barreiro; and an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. Michael joins in Heaven his mother, Gloria, and father, Miguel.

A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held Tuesday, March 8 at 10:00 am at St. Michael’s Church, 3713 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021. Mass will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel. Reception in the Great Hall immediately following the Mass.

Please, if you wish, listen to “Kokomo” in Michael’s memory.