Friends and family described Fred Barraza as a family man who cherished his son and was passionate about his line of work and his prowess on the football field. 

Barraza worked as a police officer for the New York City Police Department’s 110th Precinct in Elmhurst, Queens. He proudly represented the NYPD on the department’s football team as an accomplished punter. 

But Barraza was not just a punter. In fact, Martin said, Barraza was often “the best player on the field” who would try to be the first one down the field to tackle the returner. 

In high school, Barraza was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and lacrosse. He went on to kick at Nassau Community College and C.W. Post before playing years of semi-pro football and then settling in with the NYPD squad and various touch-football squads. 

Barraza’s death came a few days after a game with the Mineola Colts, a touch football team. Friends said that Barraza, who also took on other positions, including quarterback, played the game of his life that Sunday. 

Barraza was adventurous, often taking trips to go mountain biking and snowboarding. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. 

Friends recalled Barraza’s pride for his Chilean background and most notable for his famous mustaches, which he styled in different ways as an adult. He was even given the nickname, Mr. Mustachio. 

Fred Barraza is survived by his wife, Allison; son, Jake; brothers, Alan and Kevin; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Veronica. Visitation was held on Sunday and Monday, and a funeral mass was held at St. Aidan’s R.C. Church in Williston Park on Tuesday.