John Contreras

Our dad, John Contreras, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on September 23, 2025. He was born on March 30, 1932, in Torrington Wyoming and spent his childhood on a farm in Huntley Wyoming. He moved to Oxnard California with his family when he was 10 years old. He attended Roosevelt and Ramona Elementary schools, Wilson Junior High School and Oxnard High School, graduating in 1951. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, for four years, where he proudly served during he Korean War achieving the rank of sergeant.

He worked civil service as a teletype repairman, first at the Long Beach Naval Shipyard and then Point Mugu, for over 30 years, retiring in 1987. He then started a second career driving buses for SCAT, retiring, for a second time, in 2007.

He married the love of his life, Irene, in 1959. He loved her dearly and always put her needs first. Together, they raised three children to be strong, independent and self-reliant adults. He was always an involved parent and loved spending time with us and supporting and encouraging us in whatever we chose to get involved in. He put in countless hours volunteering his time coaching youth sports. He taught us by example how to not take ourselves too seriously and most importantly, how to be good people.

As a grandfather (Grampa), he was exceptional. He would say that being a grampa was his second chance to get to Heaven. He would do things for his grandchildren that he didn’t have the opportunity to do with us when we were kids. Yes, he spoiled them.

Our dad was preceded in death by Irene, his wife of 40 years, his parents, August Contreras and Senaida Trujillo and grandson, Nicholas Contreras.

He is survived by us, his three children, David Contreras (Kirsti), Robert Contreras (Jennifer) and Linda Reis (Mark). Grandchildren J.P. Contreras (Kimberly), Matthew Contreras and Meagan Contreras and great-grandson Nicholai Contreras. Also survived by sister Tina Bosick (Ron) and brother Tony Trujillo (Celia) as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rosary and viewing will take place on Monday, October 20 at 5:30pm at Del Angel Mortuary. Funeral service will be Tuesday, October 21 at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Church with burial following at Conejo Mountain Cemetery.

We would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Orchard Independent Senior Living and especially to the caregivers of Choice Care Home Care.