Constantino "Pete" Contreras age 92 passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 22, 2024. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 11, 1931 to Francisco and Jesusita Contreras. His family moved to San Jose, California in the 1940's to raise a family of nine children.  From their very humble beginnings they worked together picking fruit in the orchards of San Jose. Hard work was very common to Pete, siblings, and parents. There wasn't time for complaining in the Contreras household because feeding a family of nine kids was a top priority.

Pete attended San Jose Technical High School as well as studied Electronics at San Jose Junior College. Pete honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from January 1951 to January 1955 specializing in radar technology.  He was fortunate to tour Germany, Spain, and Northern Africa on a motorcycle during his time in the Air Force.

He married the love of his life, Sally Picazo, on October 31, 1959 in San Jose.  After a couple of moves, they settled in Lompoc and raised their children, Diane, Steve, and Monique.  Pete was always an amazing family man and provider. He was honest, trustworthy, and a man of integrity. His quick-wit, strong handshake and wonderful stories of his youth will be remembered by his family and friends.

In 1958 Pete became one of the first 20 employees of Federal Electric Corporation (FEC)/ITT Systems.   In 1993 he retired from FEC as the Western Test Range Instrumentations Manager.  He was a major contributor on several contracts/proposals bringing millions of dollars to FEC.   Having spearheaded many proposals, he earned the nick name, "Proposal Pete".

Pete was a quintessential handyman and DIY'er.  He loved ordering building kits from Popular Mechanics magazine.  His projects included a Heathkit to build the family's TV, and a flashy red Bradly GT sports car.  His finest DIY project was building our family vacation home at Nacimiento Lake alongside his brother, Henry, a talented carpenter.

After retirement Pete and Sally moved to Paso Robles in search of warmer weather and lots of wineries. Over the 28 years they lived in Paso Robles they made many lasting friendships.  They spent many years traveling the United States, Mexico, Europe, China, the Holy Land, and Egypt.

Pete was a man of deep faith and a devout Catholic. Pete and Sally were active in Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, Guadalupana groups, and prison ministry.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, Pete and Sally moved back to Lompoc in 2018 to be closer to their daughters and their families. He displayed an enormous amount of courage while navigating through the different phases of Parkinsons. All the while not with complaints but with grit, integrity, and humility.

Pete was predeceased by his son Steven, parents, Francisco and Jesusita, brothers Rudy, John, Frank, Henry, and Manuel. He is survived by his wife Sally of 64 years, sisters Socorro, and Louise, brother Arthur, daughters Diane, Monique (Mike), and daughter-in-law Marty. Grand children include Marcus (Jenny), Monica (Brandon), Maria (Eric), Carmen (Kevin), Inez, Luke (Melanie), Nicholas (Elle), Annie, numerous nieces, nephews, and eight great-grandchildren plus one on the way due in July.

Evening Vigil—Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6-8 pm, Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.

Rosary---7 pm

Mass of Christian Burial—Friday, February 16, 2024---10 am at La Purisima Catholic Church.

Interment--Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery immediately following Mass

Celebration of Life Luncheon—1-4 pm—Hilton Garden Inn

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to La Purisima Catholic School 219 W. Olive Ave., Lompoc, CA 9346