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Leo Contrera Obituary

Leo Contrera, age 78, of Maricopa, Ariz., passed away on Oct. 21, 2011 under the care of Hospice of the Valley, Ryan House in Phoenix. He was born on July 14, 1933 in Detroit, Mich., of the late Vincenza (Fiascanaro) and Santo Contrera. Proud U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Married to Lil Buffa in June, 1958. Retired from Cross Engineering in 1994. He was an actor in local theatre groups in Mich. and Ariz. For fitness he loved to take long walks around the neighborhood and mall. Mr. Contrera is survived by his wife of 53 years; daughter, Jeanette and her partner, Alicia Alarcon, son, John, sisters, Mary (Piccin) and Anne (Blackman) and brother, Vince. He was predeceased by sons, Sam and Paul, brother, Joe, and sisters, Lucy and Lena. Service will be at Unity East Church, 23057 North Nunneley Road, Clinton Township, Mich. at 10:00 AM, November 18.

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Published by The Macomb Daily on Nov. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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tom mesclier

October 21, 2012

The Contrera family is truly going to miss Leo. I recall all of the good times in Warren when Leo organized the Indian guides canoe trips
Now as a father myself I realize the quality of people the Contrera are. So sorry to here of the loss.

Louin Collins

November 18, 2011

Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend of a lot of years I lived by Leo,s family on emerson st. in Detroit when he was in the air force and worked with him lot of yrs. at Cross co. will miss you buddy

Mike & Judy James

November 18, 2011

Leo was always a bright & happy person! A pretty darn good engineer as well! I spent some interesting times getting some of his creations to behave the way he intended. Best wishes to his friends & family.

Shirley Dudek

November 17, 2011

Leo was always enthusiastic about life and interested in others as well. He will be missed, He was so inspirational to all young and old. Love to Lil.

November 13, 2011

Leo was a great guy to visit with. Always appreciated his and Lil's visits to Springfield, IL. My condolences! I'll have many great memories to hang on to!

Perry Nuhn

November 13, 2011

Leo was a friend. Leo and Lil were always full of zest at 13th Bomb Squadron reunions; and, in Leo's case, a bit of mischievous fun in his bus travel song leadership. He raised everyone's sprits even though some of us moaned as he began some of his old favorites. When it came to helping, Leo could be counted on as well. Ritamarie and I will miss him and he will always be remembered as a valued friend and supporter. We miss you Leo; hopefully, Lil, you will comtinue to join us in the future.

Don Mathews

November 12, 2011

What a shock to read about Leo leaving us. Once you met Leo you would never forget him. Mary and I really enjoyed being with Leo and Lil at the 13th reunions and we always had one or more meals together. Leo was really the spark to keep things going at all gatherings. He will certainly be missed.

Carl Mosher

November 12, 2011

Leo was loaded with so much zest that it reached everyone that knew him. I well remember he and Lil on the dance floor because we all stopped to watch them. Leo was both the song and the music for the 13th reunions. We will both remember and miss him. Carl & Cathy Mosher

Leo leading us in song in 2008

Charles Hinton

November 12, 2011

Leo was my friend. Lil & Leo were the most popular people at the 13th Bomb Squadron reunions - always leading us in song as we moved about on the bus - many times to good nature hoots of derision - always in good spirits. We loved to watch Lil & Leo do their jitterbug in the early days when the reunions included dances. It seemed he never met a stranger. Lil - I tried to call you but the directory phone number didn't work. Chrly

November 12, 2011

November 12, 2011

Lil:

We were so sorry to hear of Leo's passing. Leo was a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sorry we will not be able to be at the funeral Friday, November 18th as we will be out of town. Keep in touch.

Bill & Dorothy Hamilton, Port Huron, MI

Carolyn & Johb Bicsak

November 11, 2011

Leo was a special person. He brought enthusiasm and energy into everything he did. We'll never forget the canoe trips we went on that Leo arranged. We've remembered and mentioned Leo many times throughout the years and his special personality. I worked with Leo for many years at Cross and he will always be remembered fondly.

MaryAnn Butterfield

November 11, 2011

Lil, I personally am so sorry you have lost your wonderful husband. I am disappointed that he won't be on the bus at the next reunion generating enthusiasm and singing away. He had a smile that could light a room....and could make people smile even if they didn't want to! God bless you. With love,

julie uli

November 11, 2011

Leo was (and is)a special Soul. I always looked forward to huggin' him on Sunday Morning. His smile was contagious and his heart was always wide open. I was unable to attend his celebration of life due to my own Mom's circumstances, however he will permanently have a place in my heart, as will you Lil. I thank Spirit for people like you. You enhance this world with your abundant Love!

Bill Gross

November 11, 2011

Leo was a great guy. Everyone who knew him will miss him and I am sure that is the case with everyone in the 13th Bomb Squadron Association.
Billl Gross

Grateful American

November 10, 2011

Thank you for your service, and for the freedoms I enjoy because of your sacrifice. Rest in peace.

Sandy and Donna Bell

November 10, 2011

We were so blessed to have enjoyed Leo's delightful company and honored to call him 'friend'. He will be greatly missed. Lil and family, we send our love, hugs and sympathy to you.

November 10, 2011

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Leo. We loved his wit and humor and have grand memories of him when we all worked and partied at Cross. Lil - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow for you. Leo will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him - Sharon & Ernie Simas

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