Michael Joseph Contrera

Michael Joseph Contrera, age 96 a longtime resident of Warren passed away peacefully Friday, May 26, 2017, surrounded by his children and family. Michael was born May 9, 1921 in Detroit Michigan the son of the late Mario Contrera and the late Grace (nee: Toarmino) Contrera.Michael was raised in Detroit and attended school until the eighth grade. Following his schooling young Michael went to work, first delivering groceries for C.F. Smith Grocers and later for his brother-in-law Frank Riccobono delivering meat. It was while out on a delivery that fate would have Michael meeting his future bride Rose Naimo.Before his courtship with Rose could continue, Michael was called to serve his country during World War II. He served in the United State Army achieving the rank of Corporal Tec 5. During his time in the military, Michael played for his unit's baseball team... It was always a dream of his to play in the big leagues. Michael served from November 17, 1942 until his honorable discharge in February of 1946. While serving in the military Michael married his beloved Rose, May 20, 1944.Once released from military service Michael resumed civilian life returning to his roots in the Grocery business. Michael eventually became the owner of the family market Mario & Sons Legion Market in Detroit. He owned and operated the market until 1965. He also opened Detroit's first automated car wash in 1956 named Mario's Auto Wash, and later opened the first automatic car wash named Mario's Quarter Wash until the mid 1980's. Mr. Contrera only knew hard work and this philosophy never waivered his entire life. When some would sit back and retire, Michael continued working for his son at Mario's Auto Conditioning, and later for his son-in-law at Tedesco Building Service, where he worked until the age of 83.As hard as Mr. Contrera worked he could "flip the switch" off and instantly relax at home tending to his yard and flowers. He loved being surrounded by his family, children, and grandchildren. He and his wife cherished their Sunday dinners with all the family surrounding the dinner table. Food and good conversation were always plentiful. His family will always remember a kind and gentle man who never spoke a bad word of another person his entire life.Michael Contrera was truly a homebody with a quiet devotion to his catholic faith, and his family. A man who truly loved his country and was an American Patriot. He enjoyed the simple things in life... his family, the sun on his face, playing poker and gin rummy with friends and family, and catching a Detroit Tigers ball game. He lived a long wonderful life surround by a devoted and loving family and will be forever missed.Michael Contrera was a devoted and loving husband for over 64 years to the late Rose. He was the cherished father of Mario Contrera, Rosie (Dennis) Guastella, Theresa (Gary) Tedesco, William (Cheryl) Contrera, and the late Grace (Jim) Rinke. He is further survived by his fourteen grandchildren: Renee Porter (Steve), Sheri Gibson (Thomas), Tom Rinke (Valerie), Tina Roy (Kevin), Michael Contrera (Amy), Mario Contrera (Sue), Natalie Jenzen (Adam), Vanessa Smolenski (Steve), Janine, Rachele Guastella, Holly (Jim) Clampitt, Christopher Contrera, Joseph, Lia Tedesco; and 23 great-grandchildren. Visitation for Mr. Contrera will be held Tuesday from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Road) in Warren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday 11 am at the Funeral Home. Please share memories of Mr. Contrera at his guest book above.