Richard "Chiki" Frederick Contreras

Richard was born on September 18, 1953 in Blythe, California to the late Albert and Genevieve Contreras. He graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1971 and spent six years in the U.S. Air Force during the 1970's. Upon completion of his military service he returned to Blythe and attended Palo Verde College where he obtained his Associates Degree. He then moved to San Diego where the next chapter of his life journey was to begin.

Richard started his civil service career with the U.S. Navy as a GS-1 Transportation Assistant. During this time period Richard met the love of his life, Linda Alcantara, the woman who would become his wife in 1999. 17 years later Richard left the Navy as the acting Director for the Southwest Region Personal Property Office. He moved on to a new career with the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as the Distribution Manager/Distribution Management Officer. After 38 years of service, he retired as a GS-12 in September of 2015.

In September of 2015 Richard was diagnosed with terminal cancer at which point Linda resigned from her job with the U.S. Navy to care for him. Linda stood by his side during his aliments and lovingly cared for him until his passing.

Richard is survived by his wife Linda and a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews, his work family and the many loyal friends he made while living in San Diego. He will be remembered as a fiercely loyal Raiders and Dogers fan and for his enjoyment of fishing and listening to Mexican music of Javier Solis, Vicente Fernandez and all Mariachi music. He treasured playing host to his family and friends, always welcoming and happy to have them over for a visit.

A celebration of life and visitation service will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Humphrey, 753 Broadway, Chula Vista, California 91910 on Sunday, August 13, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in San Diego and conclude with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego.