Jose "Pepe" Barrón, founder of Luz Social Services which operates two public charter schools and social services programs in the Tucson-area, died Thursday at University of Arizona Medical Center after a short illness.
Barrón, 78, was surrounded by his wife, children, relatives and friends when he "peacefully" passed away, said Manuel Guzman, executive director of Luz Social Services, on Friday.
"We are more than co-workers at Luz," said Guzman. "We are familia. It has been a rough day. "Dr. Barrón treated everyone like familia, and I learned something new from him everyday. He will be greatly missed."
"Helping students and families was his life's work," Guzman said. "He pushed for higher education, and wanted graduates to give back and strengthen their families and neighborhoods."
In the 1970s, Barron served on advisory committees for the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and gave input about educational inequalities of Mexican-American students in the Southwest. He also worked with President Jimmy Carter's administration and Sen. Edward Kennedy on bilingual education issues, said Guzman.
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Barrón was until recently the chief executive officer of Luz Social Services, a nonprofit agency, and also the superintendent of the schools. He opened the first school in 1971.
In April, Luz filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to operate its schools and programs at 2797 N. Cerrada del Beto. A drop in enrollment and federal and state education cuts for about four years caused the financial hardship, Guzman said.
A reorganization and payment plan was reached, and the agency is paying its debts, which Barrón worked to help accomplish, said Guzman.
In addition to academics at the charter schools — Luz-Guerrero Early College High School and Adalberto M. Guerrero Middle School — Barrón believed in the importance of sports in creating discipline among young people. He founded the Hispanic Sports and Academic Enrichment Program 31 years ago. It recognizes outstanding scholar-athletes in Southern and Central Arizona.
Barrón was a proud UA Wildcat, earning a bachelor's degree in Spanish and a master's degree in Latin American Studies and Anthropology. He also was a participant in the UA's Institute of Foreign Language Studies in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
He received a doctorate from the University of Southern California in post-secondary education administration/international intercultural education, and community college education.
A celebration of Barrón's life will be held Oct. 2 at 1:30 p.m. at Luz-Guerrero Early College High School and Adalberto Guerrero Middle School, 2797 N. Cerrada del Beto.
On Oct. 3, a 1 p.m. service will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1946 E. Lee St.
