Elias Barreiro

Elias Barreiro died peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 95, with his beloved wife Cachy by his side. He was born on September 5, 1930, in Santiago de Cuba to Elias Barreiro and Consuelo Diaz (both from Spain). He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jose, Luis, and Antonio, and children Jorge and Magaly. He and his family owned and operated a jewelry store in Havana until they were forced by the communist government to close the shop. He turned to his hobby, playing the guitar, to support his family.

In 1966, he and his wife, Cachy, and children, Yolanda and Roberto, arrived in the United States of America with nothing but the clothes on their backs. In the fall of 1968, he began teaching at Tulane University. He taught there for over 40 years. In the summer of 1968, he studied classical guitar with the great Andres Segovia. In addition to teaching, he also owned and ran Ace Music Center on Carrolton and Canal St. in New Orleans. He started the Classical Guitar Society as well, bringing many great artists to New Orleans over the years.

Elias loved his family, the guitar, music, Chinese food, and word search puzzles. He is survived by his wife, Juana, “Cachy”, son Roberto (Vicki), daughter Yolanda (Jay), his 5 grandchildren James (Rachel), Elizabeth, Jonathan (Hannah), Roberto “Tico”, Michael (Azriel), his 3 great-grandchildren Alexander, Spencer, and Evangelina, and beloved nieces and nephews.

His death is felt as an enormous loss, but his life and legacy is celebrated by family, friends, and musicians around the world. 

For those wishing to attend, a Memorial Service will be held at Bagnell and Son Funeral Home 75212 Hwy 437 Covington, Louisiana 70435 on January 5, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00a.m.-12:00p.m., with the service beginning at 12:00p.m.