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Carlos Contreras Obituary
Phoenix - Carlos W. Contreras passed away on July 4, 2018. He was born on April 17, 1928 in Phoenix. Carlos was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Palmer Contreras and his brother Palmer Contreras Jr. Carlos is survived by Barbara, his wife of 69 years and the love of his life, as well as his children Catherine Daye (Lupe), Charlotte Contreras, and Chuck Contreras (Kim),
9 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and siblings Walter Contreras and Patti Contreras.
Carlos grew up in Phoenix, graduated from PUHS, and enlisted in the Unites States Navy. When he came home he and Barbara got married on New Years Day 1949. He loved his family and his yearly vacations to Mission Beach were a must. He started his career as a letter carrier for the USPS, continued his education at night at Phoenix College, and graduated from ASU. Carlos held numerous positions with the Post Office and ended his career as a manager in the PEDC. After retiring he and Barbara moved to the beach where they both enjoyed entertaining, sunsets and happy hours. Carlos loved his family, tennis and Pacific Beach. He was especially proud of the numerous Senior Olympic gold medals he won in singles events in his 70"s and early 80's.
After 35 years on the beach Carlos and Barbara moved back to Phoenix. He was able to visit with family coming over to say good bye and passed away early on July 4th. What does that say? Married New Years Day; died Independence Day. As his favorite singer would say, I did it my way!
Per his request, no services are being held. Donations can be made in his honor to:
Beatitudes Campus Foundation, 1610 W Glendale Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85021
Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carlos Contreras
Gregory Jones
July 10, 2018
Carlos Contreras had the warmest smile and sharpest wit of anyone I knew. Behind that wit was a keen intelligence, often focused on issues of justice- especially justice denied. Perhaps that's what made him such a fierce competitor as anyone who faced him across the tennis net knows. He loved family and most of all his wife, Barbara. Her fire combined with his Sinatra-style cool made for quite the couple. I'm fortunate to be included in his "family" and to experience his warmth and love over so many years.
He is truly missed.
Beverlie Bowling Raney
July 9, 2018
Dear Barb, It saddens my heart to hear of Carlos' passing. It's a long way from Alzona Park to today, but you're both in my heart & prayers.
July 9, 2018
My condolences for your loss. May the God who 'binds up the brokenhearted' and 'comforts all who mourn' sustain you during this time of sorrow. Isaiah 61:1,2.
July 9, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers to Barbara and family. Many memories. May you feel the Lord's presence and comfort.
Gary & Linda
Colleen Sullivan
July 8, 2018
I was fortunate to work with Mr. Contreras at the postal service forty years ago. He was a Wonderful man and I am glad to hear he had such a Wonderful family.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Nancy York
July 8, 2018
My prayers and heartfelt sympathy go out to the entire Contreras family. Carlos, I will miss your wonderful sense of humor, being on the tennis court with you, sharing time in Pacific Beach with you and Barb where we enjoyed fierce card games, tasty popcorn, the occasional glass of wine and even my burnt chicken. Knowing you made an enormous impact on my life for which I am forever grateful. May you rest in peace, dear friend.
Bridget Otterman
July 7, 2018
Prayers, condolences and love to Barbara and the Contreras Family. My wonderful god-parents, Carlos and Barbara, and long time friends to my parents, Jim & Doris Pauletich. I always loved hearing the stories of Carlos and my dad during their days at PUHS and their friendship. I remember as a kid, times I got to spend at the Contreras house swimming, sliding, getting sun burned, and getting ice cream. Carlos will be remembered as loving, fun, caring, good sense of humor, and one heck of a god-father. Love and hugs!
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