Art Joseph Franco Contreras

February 19, 1998 – April 28, 2012

Art Joseph Franco Contreras, 14, of Los Angeles, CA passed away on April 28, 2012. His family was always by his side when he drifted off to be with the Lord. He was born to Felicia Franco and Arturo Contreras, on February 19, 1998. He attended Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic School where he attained his strong faith in God.

He was a high spirited 8th grader who was looking forward to graduation and a new beginning in high school. His greatest aspirations were to become a professional basketball player, travel the world, and buy homes for all his loved ones, like a true “Boss”. At the age of three, Joseph received his first basketball court and his love for basketball grew from there. He was full of life, a natural leader, and extremely witty. He knew so much about many things at his young age; he touched so many people's lives in different ways. His family meant the world to him.

His positive energy, smile and sense of humor brought joy to many. Joseph had a tough exterior but a soft heart. He always saw the good/positive in people. His faith in God was never compromised and whenever he was in a tough place he always turned to God. “You have to have faith” is what he constantly reminded us of.

Joseph is survived by his mother Felicia Franco and father Arturo Contreras; his sister Jayda Patino and his cousin sister-like/partner in crime Sabrina Gonzalez. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Domingo and Felicitas Franco and his paternal grandmother, Carmen Contreras. He is also survived by his godparents/aunt and uncle, Cesar Franco and Julissa Franco-Gonzalez; who will miss him dearly for the rest of their lives and will never forget how he enhanced and touched their lives. He is also survived by his paternal aunts and uncle.

"I know where I'm going and I know the truth and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want."

-Muhammad Ali

Joseph is now our Guardian Angel Art-Joseph.