Obituary of Matthew Barreras

On September 17, 1968,  Matthew Arcadio Barreras was born into a large and loving family. His parents, Eustace and Amelia made their home in San Jose and later in beautiful San Martin. Matt grew up with the constant company and laughter of his brothers and sisters, Christopher, Laura, Theresa, and Nathan. 

 

First attending San Martin/Gwinn Elementary, Matt then graduated from Live Oak High School and went onto Santa Clara University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Economics.

 

After college, Matt started out on what would become a very fruitful and impressive career in agriculture. First signing on to learn the ropes at Chiala Farms and then from his Uncle Ray Ochoa at Ochoa Seeds. Matt built a foundation which he then bolstered with an MBA from Monterey Institute of International Studies. A natural and inspiring leader, Matt excelled and built a reputation that is respected at every level and in every facet of the industry; working for and running top companies such as,Ready-Pac, Tanimura & Antle, Monterey Mushrooms, and Valley Pride.

 

In May of 2002, Matt started his own beautiful family by marrying his lifelong love, Dawn Leth Barreras. Dawn and Matt, partners in life and partners in adventure, enjoyed many great travels together, exploring Greece to the Galapagos Islands. All of their travels were made special by Matt’s endless exuberance for new experiences and boundless joy he felt by spending all his best times with his best friend.

 

Matt’s happiest day was the day he and Dawn welcomed their daughter, Sofia into the world and into their family. The happy three delighted in the closeness of their little club, always content just to be with each other.

 

Making her father immensely proud, Sofia and Matt shared a love and discipline for soccer and running. Sofia now attends Live Oak High School, where her father’s legacy is recorded as one of only two soccer players to make the Live Oak Hall of Fame. Matt, a world class athlete, played defender for the Santa Clara University soccer team from 1986-1989. He and his loyal band of brothers, won the 1989 NCAA National Championship. Their team still remains the last Division 1 team to go undefeated for the entire season. What also remains everlasting, is the love and friendship Matt shared with his teammates.

 

Matthew was many things. Matt was a wonderful son, brother, husband, friend, uncle and father. He was handsome. He was kind. He was funny, he was smart. Matt was your best ally and cheerleader. He had the most brilliant smile, the most infectious laugh, and the warmest hugs. His heartbreaking loss is eased only slightly by the memory of his true and unwavering goodness. 

 

Mathew is survived by his wife, Dawn Barreras, daughter, Sofia Barreras, mother, Amelia Barreras, siblings, Chris Barreras (Rodney and Denebola Dover, Jenny Brannon) , Laura Barreras, Theresa Barreras (David Rose, Cain Ramirez, Erik Rose), Nathan Barreras (Angie Wilcox) and mother-in-law, Tresa Leth. Also survived by numerous loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Matt made friends easily and held onto them tightly. Wade Zarella, Lee Zarella, Steve Robertson, Danny Locsin, and Darren Leininger can all be counted among Matt’s oldest and best pals.

 

Please join the family for services February 22, 2022 at 1:30pm at St. Catherine’s Church, Morgan Hill. A small gathering will follow at Dawn, Matt, and Sofia's home in Morgan Hill.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Matt and Dawn’s daughter, Sofia’s college fund.

 

Contributions can be made to:

Sofia L. Barreras

Schwab 529 Plan

P.O. Box 2906

Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-2906

Account # 711655581-01

 

Though lovers be lost, love shall not and death shall have no dominion.

 

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