We have a special request by SGT Barcellano’s mother Lisa, to accompany her son from Evans Brown Mortuary in Menifee to Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest. We would be honored to do so. In 2017, John was brought home and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery with full Military Honors and the PGR was present to honor him. His mother is having him disinterred from RNC and having him moved and reinterred at Ascension Cemetery near other family members.
John Barcellano, known affectionately to his friends as "Skinny," passed away in a tragic motorcycle accident in the early morning hours of Monday, July 10, 2017.
John was born January 3, 1991 in Menifee, California and spent the better part of his early youth there, attending Bell Mountain Middle School and Paloma Valley High School, where he was a member of both the drumline and the Wildcat Brigade Band. John's interest in playing drums extended beyond marching band and he began forming bands with his friends and fellow musicians. Over the course of about six years, John played drums in a number of different bands, performing at house shows and local venues, most notably competing in a Battle of the Bands aboard the Queen Mary. John's passion for music extended to writing songs as well as recording and producing the music of other local musicians.
Following graduation in 2009, John worked at several Starbucks stores but also continued making music. He attended Mount Sac Junior College but determined that college was not for him at that point in time.
In March of 2013, John enlisted in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 1st Armored Division at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas. He was an armored tank crewman, a "tanker" whose primary function was to load shells. John's unit was deployed twice - in 2014 to North Africa and in 2016 to Kuwait. He was an excellent soldier and was soon promoted to Specialist, then Corporal, and finally to Sergeant.
SGT Barcellano’s awards and decorations included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Medal.
While overseas, John developed a passion for photography and videography. His talent soon caught the attention of his superiors and in 2017, John was transferred to a different unit where his new duties included photographing and filming for training purposes.
John had many interests and hobbies over the years, including BMX bike riding and cycle stunts, riding his unicycle, skateboarding, playing drums, sound engineering, photography and videography, riding motorcycles, and driving his beloved Honda Civic SI.
John loved his family and friends greatly. He was especially close to his mother, sisters and brothers. John also loved his El Paso bike family and would do anything for anyone at any time.
John was quick-witted and had an incredible sense of humor. He was also known to be quite the prankster. John was also a very caring and compassionate individual, donating many hours of his time to local causes in El Paso.
His mother Lisa said “Most importantly, John loved the Lord. He chose to be baptized as a youth, participated in children's choir and attended Vacation Bible School throughout his childhood. He told me often that he believed in the power of prayer and that he had the hope of spending eternity with loved ones. When I informed John of his grandma's passing on June 15th, his text read, "Glad she is with our Heavenly Father now." John, I know you, too, are with our Heavenly Father now.”
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, a distance of approx 84 miles to avoid toll roads. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet us at the cemetery we will see you there.
Time table for Thursday, 05 MAY 22:0745 - Stage on Rouse Rd., North side of Evans Brown Mortuary, 27010 Encanto Dr., Menifee, CA 92585
https://goo.gl/maps/fJp8AVrmQQ620800 - Mission Briefing.
0830 - Flag Line as our Hero is moved to coach.
0845 - Est. KSU to Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
https://goo.gl/maps/8fBbSDxu9H9RKimv6 (approx 84 miles to avoid toll roads)
1030 - ETA Ascension Cemetery
1100 - Flag Line for Flag folding and reinterment
R/C Tom Barry
So Cal PGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
(714) 206-1227
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
