It is with a heavy heart that The Children’s Trust shares news that former member of the Florida House of Representative Gustavo Barreiro passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Friday, August 16. Gus served as a Public Policy and Community Engagement Liaison for The Trust since 2015. More than that, Gus was a caring and giving public servant who was always available to help his family, colleagues and even strangers, whenever called upon. He was 60. 

“Gus Barreiro spent his life working tirelessly on behalf of the people of Miami-Dade County and South Florida,” said President/CEO of The Children’s Trust James Haj. “We are still trying to come to terms with his sudden passing, but we know he will be deeply missed. We send our deepest condolences to his family and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.” 

A Cuban-born immigrant who came to the United States as a young boy and grew up in Miami, Gus dedicated his life to serving the people and especially children of South Florida. His journey to The Trust was one marked by a lifetime of public service. 

In 2006, Gus received the Champions for Children Excellence in Public Policy Award from The Children’s Trust. In the same year he also received the Ira Lipman Award from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency for his dedication and hard work in juvenile justice. He was vocal and constant advocate of the movement to get The Children’s Trust approved in Miami-Dade County and his contributions will forever be missed.  

Gus served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006 representing the 107th district. During his legislative tenure, he chaired the special committee on the death of Omar Paisley and Martin Lee Anderson, both young boys who tragically died in state custody and boot camp programs. 

For more information contact Media Liaison Sandra Camacho at 305.401.7738. 

The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County by making strategic investments in their future.

Media Contact: 
Natalia Zea
Chief Public Policy & Community Engagement Officer, The Children’s Trust
natalia@thechildrenstrust.org