Margarito H. Contreras Sr.

Margarito H. Contreras Sr., (aka Pops) 82, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, October 12, 2019 in Tracy, CA. Margarito was born in Clarendon, Texas to Valentin and Juanita Contreras. Margarito and his wife Maria, married in 1954 and moved from Texas to California in 1965 residing in San Jose, CA.

  A resident of Tracy since 1994, Margarito enjoyed fishing, watching Giants games, Western movies, playing slot machines, making people laugh, dancing, and listening to Tex Mex music.  Margarito created his own Tejano Group and was the accordion player for his band Los Hermanos Contreras, passing that legacy on to his sons and grandchildren as well. One of Margarito biggest joys was  spending time with his family, friends and having big BBQ’s in his backyard. Margarito will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye and for his big hearty laugh! Margarito was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.

Margarito was preceded in death by his son Juanito, parents, sister, and favorite dog Stitch.  Margarito married the love of his life and best friend, Maria or “Mere” and were married for 64 years. He is survived by his devoted wife Maria; his eight children, Samuel Contreras (Teresa), Elizabeth Chagoya (Ruben), Miguel Contreras (Helen), Rosemary Bueno (Ernie), Anita Contreras (Tony), Margarito Contreras Jr. (Elvira), Janie Scanlan (Steve), and Toni Saldivar (Jaime).  Margarito has 29 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family and dear friends, Raul and Angie Trevino and adopted daughter Kimmie (Paul). Margarito instilled in each and every one of his children and grandchildren the meaning of selfless sacrifice and the importance of love for family. He will be remembered for his fun-loving character and his kind spirit.

Being the great husband, father and provider Margarito passed on to heaven to find “Un Reconcito En El Cielo” for him and his wife.

We will miss and fondly remember Margarito “famous quotes”:

“That’ll learn ya!”

“I’m taking off like a ruptured duck.”

“I’m gonna go see a man about a horse.”

“Yupper, ain’t no party without whiskee.”

Family and friends are invited to a viewing on Wednesday, October 23, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. at Fry Memorial Chapel 550 South Central Avenue, Tracy, CA.  A Rosary service will be held at this location starting at 6:00 pm. A mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 163 West Eaton Avenue, Tracy, CA. Margarito will be laid to rest at the Tracy Public Cemetery following Mass.

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