To my dearest Nino,

Love you so, so much. The warmth, joy, and kindness you brought to everyone around you were such a blessing.

I’ll always remember that one Halloween when we went trick-or-treating, and you had to sneak around so Nina wouldn’t catch you eating any of the sweets. I still remember all of us laughing so hard, saying, “Where did Nino go? Why are there missing candies? Why are there candy wrappers in the trash?” 😂

I’m so sad that I won’t get to teach you any more snack-sneaking tricks or make more silly, happy memories like these with you.

But I’m sure you’re somewhere wonderful now, looking down on all of us. 🫶

I will forever remember you, my dearest Nino.
Love you always Sequoia.

Hey Uncle Richard,
Stevie geeb here. You have given Shelley, Sequoia, Sonia, and me lots of wonderful memories. Over the years we shared our feelings about sports, food, movies, music, books, and more. But probably the most impressionable was that I learned from you the importance of practicality and common sense. I picked it up from being around you and seeing how you interacted with me and others. I have a tendency to be idealistic and when that becomes excessive, I think about how you’d react. It helps me rebalance and get grounded back in reality. You have been a stabilizing force in my life, exemplified by the perspective of “put that in your pipe and smoke it,” which will endure. Much appreciated Uncle Richard. God bless.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Rich's passing.  Richard Contreras was my CHPSgt in South L.A. and one of the finest role models I had in the Dept.  He led by example, teaching us how professionalism, compassion and integrity are the fundamentals of a good officer.  Rich never asked us to do a job he wouldn't do himself.  My family and I were blessed to be welcomed into the Contreras home by Rich and Irene.  Their warmth and friendship is something we treasure.  We still talk with fondness of the times we spent with them.  We will sorely miss Rich.  Many hugs and much love to Irene and the entire Contreras family.  
With love,  John & Suzanna George
                         CHP Ret # 12833

TO THE BEAUTIFUL CONTRERAS FAMILY, 
SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. 
 I FIRST MET RICHARD,  AS A SENIOR,  AT ST. ANTHONY'S H. S.  HE AND I STRUGGLED THROUGH CHEMISTRY CLASS TOGETHER.  BUT WE FINALLY  MADE IT!  HE AND I BECAME INSTANT FRIENDS.   RICARDO [TO MY KNOWLEDGE, I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO EVER CALLED HIM THAT] WAS ALWAYS A KIND, GENTLE, AND COMPASSIONATE  HUMAN BEING.  ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, HE WAS A POWERFUL, HARD-HITTING RUNNING BACK, WHO EXCELLED AT GETTING FIRST DOWNS.  RICARDO, MY FRIEND, YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL!
----------LARRY HICKS, SAINTS CLASS OF '61

To the Contreras Family,
My deepest sympathies.  I had the privilege of a long friendship with "Champie" since 5th grade at Holy Family, and on to St. Anthony's.      In 6th grade, his mother patiently taught us both how to dance, & got us ready to swoon the girls at our first dance.  Champie was never one to get in trouble with the nuns, and he tried his best to intercede for me.  Champie was the perfect team mate, even though he hit the wrong hole in '61.  Many lasting memories.   May the Lord bless the Contreras Family.

Rich would gas up his 1969 CHP Dodge Polara at Joe McKenna’s Texaco gas station at Wardlow/Pacific Long Beach. I was working for Joe and Rich “let” me clean the windshield and gas up the cruiser along with a generous portion of Blue Chip Stamps. I was so impressed with Officer Contreras that I joined the CHP too. 
Rich became a  famous running back at St Anthony High (‘61) when he took a handoff from QB Joe McKenna and ran to the wrong hole in a CIF playoff game thus  becoming “Wrong Hole Rich”. 

Rich was an outstanding officer, sergeant and  family man. He will be missed.  
God Bless you and your family Sarge  
John Fogerty St Anthony High ‘69 
CHP #8048

May the Lord hold him and his loved ones close. 🩷
I met Richard and Irene through their son Ruben — he and I went to AF Tech School together and were stationed in AZ after. From the moment I met them, Richard and Irene welcomed me with such warmth. They are beautiful people, so much fun to be around, and truly a beautiful couple. I feel blessed to have known them, and my heart goes out to Irene and the whole family during this time. Richard will be deeply missed, but his warmth and joy will stay with all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
With love and prayers, Ana Rios

MY BROTHER I AM SORRY YOU ARE GONE BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BECAUSE I WILL HAVE ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES OF GROWING UP WITH YOU AS A LITTLE BOY GOING ON CRUISES AROUND RAINBOW PIER GOING TO SEE YOU PLAY FOOTBALL AT ST ANTHONY AND ALL THE OTHER TIMES SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY YOUR LITTLE BROTHER POPPY.  P.S SAY HELLO TO LINDA FOR ME

Much love to the Contreras family - I remember your dad from the SMMS days, his police uniform, the fun he had with us all. Thinking of you all. -Dave Hunter (SMMS - 1984 with Theresa)

Mr C! I saw you as Big Papa Bear. You had your beautiful family, Mrs C and children. Then you had all your "sons", Carlos and John Brennen. I know there were others.  Your presence was Big! I know you genuinely cared for so many of us in the Bishop Montgomery family.  

You and your family became such an important part of our family during the loss of my brother. For that we are tremendously greatful.  

May you Rest in Eternal Peace Mr C. Big hugs sent to you in the heavens. Lupe.

Contreras family, thank you for sharing this with us. Please accept our deepest condolences to you all and know that we are sorry for your loss 🙏🏻
  We are grateful for all Richard did for our family during the loss of our brother Carlos. Richard’s kindness, support, and presence meant so much to us during that difficult time.
  Familia Contreras, we are  truly thankful for all your friendships with my brother and will always remember your thoughtfulness.
   Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.
   On behalf of my familia,
   Sandy Valdez

My deepest condolences to the entire family. He was truly a great man who touched the lives of so many. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared and strength in knowing how deeply he was loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May he rest in peace. ❤️🙏 ( he knows when you’re naughty or nice.)

This was taken at their 50th wedding anniversary party. They were a wonderful couple that loved their family with all their hearts. Irene, you will carry this with you. I remember the annual partirs in their backyard to keep the family together. I always admitted Chamo for the person he was. RIP Champ.

My brother Richard "Champ" was the best brother I could have. I will miss talking with him as we occasionally did. He took me under his wing when I was in the Navy. Irene and Champ were my extended family. I will truly miss you Champ. A big best brother anyone could have. I love you brother.  Alexander A. Contreras

I will miss him terribly. God Bless his soul 🙏

Sorry for your loss, my cousin Richard (Champ) will be missed. 
He was like a big brother to me.
My condolences go out to all of my family 

Cousin Robert Carrasco

Dear Mrs. Contreras, Julie, Yolanda, Theresa, Valerie, and Ruben,
    I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Contreras' passing. He was such a special part of my memories growing up and of the friendship I shared with all of you throughout my high school years.
    Mr. Contreras, thank you for always being one of the people who made your home feel like a safe haven. The open-door welcome that you and Mrs. Contreras extended to your children's friends spoke volumes about the kind, generous, and loving people you are. So many of us felt accepted, supported, and cared for in your home, and that is a gift I will never forget. It was the place to go, for me, to escape and really feel what a 'family' was like.
    As I reflect on those years, I am grateful for the laughter, friendships, and countless memories that were made under your roof. Your kindness touched more lives than you probably ever knew.
    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May the many wonderful memories of your husband and dad bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead.

With heartfelt sympathy and much love,
Mary (Grace) Ross

OBITUARY

Richard Contreras Jr.

August 28, 1943 – June 20, 2026

Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary

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