Manuel S Contreras

Manuel Soto Contreras was a man of honor, respect, and unwavering faith. He was the beloved son of Antonio Contreras Luna and Josephina Contreras Soto, born on July 3, 1933, in Chihuahua, Mexico. One of ten children, Manuel often shared cherished memories of his 4 sisters, whom he loved and respected deeply throughout their lives. He also spoke fondly of his five brothers, all of whom he admired, sharing a special bond with his brothers David and Tony.

When the Contreras brothers migrated from Mexico to the United States, they began working in construction ultimately becoming business owners and contractors. Starting as laborers, they advanced to become skilled cement finishers, known throughout San Diego for their integrity, craftsmanship, and strong work ethic. For decades, Manuel and his brothers earned the respect of many through their dedication and honesty in building Contreras Concrete.

Manuel loved his beautiful bride, Georgina Romero Contreras, whom he married on October 6, 1956. Together, they traveled the world and built a life full of love, adventure, and faith. God blessed them with three wonderful children: Manuel R. Contreras, Diana Cisneros, and Elizabeth Lerma. Manuel loved his children with all his heart and soul. He was the perfect family man, devoted, caring, and steadfast. Above all, he adored his beloved Georgina, cherishing her deeply and placing her high upon a pedestal.

Manuel and his brother David shared a love for family and adventure. Together, they saved their hard-earned money to purchase a truck and camper, taking their families on camping trips throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These travels created cherished memories that will forever live in the hearts of their children.

Manuel also loved the game of softball. Every Thanksgiving, he looked forward to the annual Magallanes vs. Contreras Family Baseball Tournament alongside David, Rudy, Danny, and Tony. Known for his lightning-fast and accurate pitch, Manuel often threw 80 mph fastballs. These games were fierce, each call sparking laughter, debate, and good natured rivalry, but always ending with hugs and joy. Those moments reflected the unity and love that defined the Contreras family.

Manuel was a generous man who gave without expecting anything in return. He was wise and loved sharing stories filled with lessons of faith, humility, and gratitude. Among his most treasured memories were those of his beloved father, Antonio Contreras Luna. One story Manuel often told was of a winter night when a sick and hungry man came to their home seeking help. His father cared for the man, nursing him back to health. When the man was ready to leave, Antonio gifted him a new leather jacket, a gift from his son Tony.

Many years later, while traveling through Tracy, California, Antonio met that same man again. The man recognized him instantly, embraced him with tears, and thanked him for saving his life so many years earlier. He told Antonio he still kept the leather jacket as a symbol of kindness and faith. When Manuel shared this story, he would often end with tears in his eyes, saying how deeply he loved and respected his father, and how it was from him that he learned to love Christ and to give selflessly.

Manuel took immense pride in his family and the people they became. He was especially proud of his six grandchildren: Melissa, Manuel, Veronica, Andre, Erika, and Ricky. His face would light up whenever he spoke of them. Coming from a generation where men rarely expressed affection openly, Manuel grew softer with time. As his grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren Cassandra, Michael, Anyssa, Analy, Sophia, Travis, Ava, Kalei, Keylie, Preslee, Jaxson, Ricky, and Gianna, came into his life, his heart overflowed with love. His family was his greatest joy, and his love for them was evident in all he did.

Manuel held many special roles within his family, but perhaps one of the most precious was being the family’s prayer warrior. Nearly every road trip or vacation began with a phone call to Manuel, who would pray with sincere faith, humbly asking Jesus for the safety and protection of his loved ones. At the close of each prayer, he would joyfully say, “And the people of the village say,” to which everyone would respond in unison, “AMEN!”

For those of us blessed to know and love Manuel, our hearts are heavy with sorrow yet full of gratitude for the impact he had on our lives. We will miss him dearly, and not a day will go by without remembering his words, his laughter, and his wisdom.

Today, Manuel has crossed the river of life and has been joyfully reunited with his parents, brothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones. Our greatest comfort is knowing that one day, we will see him again and hold him for eternity.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23