FELIX BARRIENTOS, 1924-2010: Libbey worker fixed up theater, ran pool hall

10/8/2010

Felix Barrientos, 86, a longtime worker at Libbey Glass and a theater operator who brought a bit of his native South Texas north by showing Spanish-language films, died Thursday in Hospice of Northwest Ohio, South Detroit Avenue. He had been ailing recently, his son Alex said.

Mr. Barrientos of West Toledo retired in 1987 after 36 years at Libbey Glass. He was a furnace tender 18 years.

In the early 1960s, he rented and fixed up a former Lagrange Street theater, which he opened on weekends as The Alamo. Family helped sell tickets and concessions and cleaned afterward. At first, he had to drive to Chicago to pick up the films he rented.

"He always loved Mexican movies, but there weren't any in the area. A lot of it was sharing the culture and language," his daughter Alma said, "and that took him home."

In early 1970s, he operated out of the former Royal Theater downtown.

Also in the early 1970s, he - with the help of son Alex - ran Felix's Pool Hall at Central and Detroit Avenues.

"He was just a constant worker," his son said.

He often had at least two jobs and sometimes picked tomatoes with farm workers so his children could go to St. Vincent de Paul School. All attended college.

"My dad was always very proud of the fact that he was a good provider," daughter Alma said.

He was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Edinburg, Texas.

Surviving are his wife, Giafira, whom he married May 13, 1945; daughters, Alma Platas, Anita Mauter, and Sandra Caprioli; sons, Alex and Felix, Jr.; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius X Church.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Contact Mark Zaborney at:

mzaborney@theblade.com

or 419-724-6182.