Jose Bonifacio Contreras

Service Details

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1501 Grand Avenue, at 1:00 p.m., with Father Antony Thomas, Father Juan Camacho, and his son, Deacon Eloy Contreras, officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Jose Bonifacio Contreras passed away on December 12, 2024, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He was born on June 5, 1942, in Poteet, Texas, to Alberto and Jovita (née Cabrieles) Contreras.

A gifted musician, Jose’s talent for playing the accordion brought joy to countless lives. Whether performing for family gatherings, church events, or community celebrations, his music had a way of bringing people together. His love for traditional Tejano music was a reflection of his deep pride in his heritage and a legacy he leaves for his children and grandchildren.

After retiring from the Case Tractor plant, Jose found joy in working as a crossing guard, waving at passing cars on Goold Street. His cheerful presence and warm smile made him a beloved figure in the community, even earning him a feature in the local newspaper. He was deeply loved by all those he encountered.

Jose is survived by his 10 children, 32 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia, whose memory he cherished deeply.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 14, at St. Richard Catholic Church at 1:00 p.m., with Father Antony Thomas, Father Juan Camacho, and his son, Deacon Eloy Contreras, officiating. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Jose will be remembered not only as a devoted father and grandfather but as a man whose music, kindness, and cheerful spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

His accordion may now be silent, but the songs he played, the waves he gave, and the memories he created will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who loved him.